Ibrahima Konaté returns to France after strong start at Real Madrid
After a tough season at Liverpool, the centre-back returns in form with Real Madrid, who signed him for free, and wants a spot against Italy Thursday.
Ibrahima Konaté is back in the France squad after a difficult season at Liverpool, which was also marked by the loss of his father. He arrives in a different place: since joining Real Madrid for free, he has become an important figure in the defence alongside Dean Huijsen, and José Mourinho values his power and composure.
He missed the September camp with a slight knee sprain. Competition in the national team is fierce: Leny Yoro and Jérémy Jacquet have earned points, while William Saliba and Maxence Lacroix are injured. According to RMC Sport, his teammate Dayot Upamecano recalled that they met as young players in Leipzig and said he was happy to have him back alongside him.
Didier Deschamps's successor Zinedine Zidane must decide whether to start him on Thursday at 20:45 against Italy at San Siro, a stadium that brings him good memories: in November 2024 France won 3-1 there and he captained the team for the first time.
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