Como Goalkeeper Jean Butez Earns First France Call-Up
Como goalkeeper Jean Butez has been selected for the France national team for the first time, stepping in for RC Lens's Robin Risser who withdrew due to a physical issue.
Zinedine Zidane announced his initial squad as head coach on Friday, featuring several Serie A players like Mike Maignan, Manu Kone, and Adrien Rabiot. The squad also includes first-time call-ups for Inter's Andy Diouf and Como's Lucas Da Cunha.
Now, Butez joins them, called up as a replacement for Lens's Risser.
The 31-year-old featured in all 38 of Como's Serie A matches last season, helping Cesc Fabregas's team secure Champions League qualification for the first time in the club's history. This season, he has played in four of five league games and Como's inaugural Champions League match, a 4-1 victory against RB Leipzig earlier this month.
France is scheduled to play Turkiye on September 25, Belgium on September 28, Italy on October 2, and Belgium again on October 5.
France Squad for September-October Fixtures Announced
Goalkeepers: Jean Butez (Como), Mike Maignan (Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)
Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Estéban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).
Fresh materials — Football news
France vs. Italy: Predicted Lineups and Key Player Returns
Italy anticipates fielding the Esposito brothers together once more, as Moise Kean faces fitness concerns. A reshuffled midfield and Michael Kayode's confirmed presence at right-back are also expected against France. The match kicks off at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday at 19:45 UK
U21 Euros: Italy's Path to the European Championship
Alphadjo Cisse’s late winner offers Italy a chance to top their Under-21 European Championship qualifying group. However, this hinges on securing a victory against Poland by at least two goals on Monday. The Azzurrini currently trail Group E leaders Poland, who boast a perfect record with n
Diana Bianchedi Resigns as Italy Delegation Chief Amidst Controversy
Diana Bianchedi has resigned from her role as FIGC delegation chief for the Italy national team. This departure comes during a Nations League campaign and just two months after her appointment stirred debate. Her resignation adds to the ongoing turmoil within the Federation, partly stemmi
Manchester City's Contract Verdict: What It Means for Mancini
The Premier League released the Independent Commission's findings on its case against Manchester City. A specific section addresses arrangements involving Roberto Mancini following initial leaks. The report details three methods the club used to keep liabilities off its balance sheet. The
Giacomo Raspadori Ruled Out of Italy's Final Nations League Matches Due to Injury
Giacomo Raspadori will not participate in Italy's remaining Nations League fixtures after being withdrawn from the squad. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Tuesday evening that the forward, currently with Atalanta, underwent instrumental tests. These confirmed he is unavailab
Orsato Acknowledges Serie A Refereeing Errors: 'Mistakes of Superficiality, Wrong Positioning, Wrong Ideas'
Daniele Orsato, Serie A's referee designator, has addressed the season's officiating, not as a personal doctrine but admitting to mistakes made. Speaking in Lissone, Orsato responded to criticism regarding the perceived leniency in foul calls and VAR's passive stance. "There is no 'Orsato