UNL: Riolo slams Chelsea star after France’s 3-1 defeat

Football analyst and pundit Daniel Riolo has launched a strong critique of Malo Gusto following the Chelsea defender’s difficult outing in France’s 3-1 Nations League loss to Italy at San Siro on Thursday.

Gusto began the match at right-back but struggled to contain Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi. He found it difficult to keep the Italian at bay and was later penalised for a challenge that gave the hosts a spot kick. Sebastiano Esposito, however, squandered the chance by sending his shot wide.

Riolo’s main concern was Gusto’s limited playing time at Chelsea. The defender has started only three Premier League matches this season, a record that the pundit clearly believes should weigh against his selection for the national team.

Speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, Riolo said, “Malo Gusto, who never plays for his club, I don’t even know what he’s doing there. He was toyed with by Bologna’s winger. I don’t understand why Zaïre-Emery isn’t playing. We don’t have any full-backs, so you play with the wing-backs tucked in.”

Riolo also argued that Warren Zaïre-Emery should be France’s first-choice right-back, making his opposition to Gusto’s selection unmistakable.

“Warren is ahead of everyone at right back.”

Riolo’s frustration extended beyond the Chelsea defender. He also challenged France’s tactical approach under Zinedine Zidane, focusing on the team’s movement and frequent positional changes. In his view, France lost its shape as Italy began to take control of the match.

Zidane, by contrast, was reluctant to criticise Gusto after France suffered its first defeat under his management. Asked about the defender’s display, the former Real Madrid manager defended him.

He said, “He was called up, he played his part, he conceded the penalty, these things happen. I don’t think we can say that he had a bad game.”

The result marked a historic night for Italy, who defeated France on home soil for the first time in 64 years.