Mbappe hopes Deschamps avoids ‘awful’ Italy move after World Cup

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Kylian Mbappe does not want to see Didier Deschamps coach another national team when he leaves France after the World Cup, warning him against an “awful” move to Italy.

Deschamps announced last year that the current tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico would be his last in charge of Les Bleus.

The former midfielder, who captained his country to World Cup glory in 1998 and the Euro 2000 crown, took the reins in 2012 and has overseen 179 matches (W115 D35 L29).

The highlight of his reign thus far was a 4-2 victory over Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final, while France were also runners-up under him in 2022, as well as being losing Euro 2016 finalists.

Deschamps is one of three individuals to win the World Cup as a player and as a head coach, alongside Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer, and the 2026 tournament will be his fourth World Cup – only Carlos Alberto Parreira (six) and Bora Milutinovic (five) have managed at more.

While Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to succeed Deschamps, his next move is unclear, but Mbappe hopes he returns to club football instead of leading a different nation.

“The best way to pay tribute to him is to win, because he loves to win. We’re going to make sure he has the best of the recent World Cups,” Mbappe told French outlet M6.

“Hopefully it will be his last, because I hope he doesn’t coach another [national] team.”

A crowd of supporters were waiting for Les Bleus at their base camp 🇺🇸

Thanks for the warm welcome, Boston!  pic.twitter.com/KGtAe5ndV6

— French Team  (@FrenchTeam) June 10, 2026

Italy are currently on the lookout for a new head coach, having dismissed Gennaro Gattuso after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup in March.

Having lost on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina in their UEFA qualification play-off final, Italy are the first former champions to miss three straight editions of the World Cup.

Antonio Conte is the favourite for that role, having previously led the Azzurri to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, but Deschamps also has experience in Italy, having played for and coached Juventus.

He led the Bianconeri back to Serie A in his only season in charge in 2006-07, after Fabio Capello resigned in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal and their demotion to Serie B.

But Mbappe is hoping to dissuade Deschamps from taking that job, saying: “They said [he could join] Italy, that would be awful. I’m putting pressure on him!”

France open their World Cup campaign against Senegal on Tuesday, with Iraq and Norway their other Group I opponents. 

UEFA Women’s Champions League News

‘Bring it on’ – Bright sets sights on glory after Chelsea’s Champions League comeback

Premier League News

‘Best is yet to come’ for Fulham, says Silva

UEFA Conference League News

‘Chelsea fans have to trust us’ – Maresca issues rallying cry to Blues’ faithful

UEFA Conference League News

‘Chelsea are back’ if they win Europa Conference League, Maresca insists

UEFA Nations League News

‘Every Portugal player’ wants to see Ronaldo win World Cup – Dalot

Premier League News

‘Every point is expensive’ in the Premier League, says Iraola

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.