Players upset at being left out, furious dressing room chatter and stars told to put their egos aside: France’s camp in turmoil after 3-1 defeat to Italy

The worrying fallout from France’s humiliating defeat to Italy continues, with the Liverpool star becoming the latest to suggest that unrest is already serious within the squad.

Didier Deschamps’ side lost 3-1 to Italy at the Parc des Princes in their Nations League match on Friday.

It was France’s first defeat by Italy on home soil in over 70 years.

The defeat infuriated goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to sources, with French newspaper L’Equipe claiming he was attacking goal for two minutes.

Maignan was reportedly furious at the lack of commitment and attitude shown by his teammates, saying the Italians deserved to win because they are hungry and have a strong will.

Maignan later downplayed the incident, stating in a post-match interview that “what is said in the dressing room stays between us” and “there is no reason to worry”.

However, French centre-back Ibrahima Konate also spoke out following the defeat and appeared to criticise some of Les Bleus’ biggest names.

In an interview with French publication Telefoot: Konate all but confirmed that the incident in Maignan’s dressing room did happen and called on some of the stars to improve their game.

“If I can sum up what has been said, it is that we have extraordinary people here,” Konate said.

“But we have to put those individuals at the service of the collective. With the team we have, we have to scare everyone, and today, losing 3-1 at home is disappointing. It’s sad.

“Now that it’s behind us, we need to respond.”

Another sign that the situation at French clubs is more unclear than initially thought comes from recent comments from football star Antoine Griezmann.

Like many of his team-mates at the European Championships, Griezmann was not at his peak and failed to register a single goal or assist in six appearances for France.

The 33-year-old did not earn a place in the starting line-up for Les Bleus’ Group D match against Poland or the semi-final match against Spain.

The fact that Griezmann played in various positions during Euro 2024 did not help either – from right wing, through second striker, to offensive midfielder.

In an interview with Marca, Griezmann admitted that he was frustrated by being relegated to the bench, even if the decision was in the best interests of the team.

“There were a lot of changes in position and tactics and we had to accept that,” Griezmann said.

“I prepared with Atletico to be in good physical shape. If I had scored two goals against Holland, my Euro would have been different.

“Did the change of position bother me? No, when I was on the pitch, but against Poland and Spain I was angry that I wasn’t playing. They were tactical decisions and you have to respect them, even if they bother you.

“It’s all about the team. But this wasn’t my best competition.”

France’s attention will immediately turn to the second Nations League match against Belgium in Lyon on Monday.

Deschamps’ side will be able to go into this match in good spirits, given that they beat Belgium in the round of 16 at Euro 2024.

However, with reports of unrest within the French camp, they could have fallen apart and would have had nowhere to hide.