Stade de France Host to Zidane Return
Zinédine Zidane makes his official managerial debut at the Stade de France on Friday, October 2, 2026, leading the France national team against Italy in the Ligue des Nations. The fixture kicks off at 20:45 local time, with live television coverage broadcast on TF1 in front of an expected crowd of 80,000 supporters. This match marks Zidane’s third outing on the bench after securing victories in Turkey and Belgium during the opening phase of his tenure.
Italian Chef Prepares Pasta Request
To prepare his squad for the high-profile encounter in Saint-Denis, Zidane enlisted Italian chef Roberto Favaro to oversee the team’s nutritional menu. Favaro previously cooked for Juventus during Zidane’s playing career with the Italian club and now operates on the Côte d’Azur in Cap-d’Ail. The manager requested his favorite personal dish for the players ahead of kickoff: pasta tossed with fresh Pachino cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. The traditional recipe mirrors the meals Zidane favored during his playing days in Turin as the squad aims for a third victory under his guidance.
France Faces Italy at Stade De France
- Fixture: France versus Italy (Ligue des Nations)
- Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 20:45 local time
- Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
- Broadcast: Live on TF1
Frequently Asked Questions About the Match
How have the France national team performed in their opening matches under Zidane?
The squad secured two victories on the road in Turkey and Belgium prior to their fixture at the Stade de France against Italy.
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