Deschamps opens up about ‘harsh’ Italy judgment and Thuram replacing Giroud

Didier Deschamps feels Italy remain ‘highly competitive’ at Euro 2024 and believes Marcus Thuram can become France’s heir to Olivier Giroud.

The France coach spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Les Blues are among the favourites to win the competition, but the ex-Juventus midfielder believes Italy remain a tricky team despite the absence of ‘top-class’ players.

Deschamps opens up about ‘harsh’ Italy judgment

“It’s a harsh judgement. Italy won the Euros with the strength of their group,” he said.

“Perhaps, in the past, there were at least a couple of top-class players, but you still have excellent footballers and some interesting youth. Despite not qualifying for the last two World Cup editions, Italy remain highly competitive.”

Several Serie A stars, including Thuram, Giroud, Adrien Rabiot, Mike Maignan, and Theo Hernandez, are expected to take centre stage at the Euros with France.

Deschamps on Thuram, Giroud and Mbappé

“Marcus had a great season at Inter. His efficiency improved, in sync with Lautaro,” said the France coach.

“Marcus can play everywhere in attack. He doesn’t have the same characteristics as Giroud, but he can become his heir. Even if it will be Giroud’s last European Championship, it will be important to rely on his experience.”

How about Kylian Mbappé? What does Deschamps expect from the soon-to-be Real Madrid striker?

“He is accustomed to pressure and I see him well. He had a tricky period with the club, but he still scored 44 goals,” said the ex-Juventus midfielder.

“He will have maximum freedom on the pitch. My target is to line up a team that can give its best. Mbappé, as a captain, is entirely focused on the collective but still wants to make a different like all top-class players.”

Pavard and Maignan from Serie A to Euro 2024

Benjamin Pavard, another Serie A star, has won the title with Inter playing as a centre-back. How does this reflect on France’s tactics?

“I know he prefers to play as a centre-back even if, with Inter, he plays in a different system, and Inzaghi asks him to run forward quite often,” said Deschamps.

“It’s evident that today he feels more at ease as a centre-back than in the past.”

Milan keeper Maignan will start in goal for Les Blues, but he has had a troubled season at Milan which included sickening racist incidents during matches, especially one away at Udinese.

“These things should never happen. That incident hurt him and wasn’t the first time,” Deschamps noted.

“Mental aspects can have repercussions on the body, but he had been extraordinary in the previous season. Potentially, there is nothing to be worried about, even if he has had a few injuries lately.”