Antoine Valero scores first France U19 goal against Turkey in Croatia friendly
Olympique de Marseille forward Antoine Valero scored his first goal for the France under-19 national team on Thursday, converting a 12th-minute penalty during a 2-1 friendly victory over Turkey in Croatia, La Provence reported. The 18-year-old attacker opened his account in the category following seven goals in 13 appearances for the under-18 selection, adding a decisive impact in the final outing of the team’s international training camp.
The fixture at the conclusion of the September-October international window saw Les Bleuets build an early advantage before holding off a late Turkish fightback. Rémi Himbert of Olympique Lyonnais won the initial penalty converted by Valero, then added a second goal just one minute later to double the French lead. Turkey reduced the deficit in the 79th minute through Yusuf Daghan Kahraman, who scored from a set-piece to create a tense finish.
Jean-Luc Vannuchi flags persistent set-piece defensive vulnerabilities
France under-19 coach Jean-Luc Vannuchi expressed clear frustration after the match regarding his squad’s defensive fragility on dead-ball situations and their inability to put games out of reach earlier. According to official statements published by the French Football Federation (FFF) and reported by Le Phoceen, set-piece concessions have plagued the side throughout the camp.
“Like three of the four that we conceded during this tournament,” Vannuchi told the FFF official website, pointing to a recurring issue that requires urgent correction. The manager emphasized that the team’s conversion rate inside the final third remains insufficient to secure comfortable finishes. “We aren’t killer or opportunistic enough in front of goal, and then we let our opponents back in and give ourselves much more complicated endings than we should have,” Vannuchi added.
Tylel Tati suffers knee injury during international duty
While the French squad secured a positive result on the pitch, the match was marred by a significant injury scare for FC Nantes defender Tylel Tati, according to Foot National and Tribune Nantaise. The 18-year-old center-back took a heavy blow to the tibia and experienced severe pain in his knee during a challenge, forcing his immediate removal from the pitch on a stretcher.
Journalist Benjamin Quarez reported via social media that Tati would undergo comprehensive medical examinations in the immediate aftermath of the fixture to determine the exact nature of the damage and establish a recovery timeline. Nantes supporters face anxious days waiting for the club’s medical staff to clear the defender, who represents a substantial market valuation and has drawn concrete transfer interest.
OM youth forward balances international success with club future
Antoine Valero’s scoring performance in Croatia highlights his ongoing development inside the Olympique de Marseille youth structure, where his long-term future remains a subject of considerable attention. Football Club de Marseille noted that the 18-year-old has attracted interest from RC Lens, Real Betis, and Nottingham Forest, though the player’s stated preference is to sign his first professional contract with Marseille.
Valero’s progression mirrors club teammate Milan Leccese, who also found the net during the international gathering in Croatia by scoring in a 2-1 victory over the tournament hosts. Both young OM prospects are working to bridge the gap between academy football and the senior professional setup under Roberto De Zerbi.
Upcoming UEFA Under-19 Euro qualifying campaign schedule
The French under-19 selection will reconvene in mid-November to begin their qualification journey for the 2027 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, hosting a mini-tournament in the Brittany region across Guingamp and Ploufragan. Les Bleuets open their group fixtures against Norway on Wednesday, November 11, before facing the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, November 14, and concluding against Greece on Tuesday, November 17.
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