PARIS -- France midfielder Manu Koné had to pinch himself when new coach Zinedine Zidane laced up his boots to take part in training. Arguably the world's best playmaker during his heyday, the 54-year-old Zidane was in his element spraying passes around and whipping in crosses to his awe-struck players.

"What shocked me during the first week of training was his technical range. He's lost none of his ability," Koné said on Tuesday ahead of Friday's game against Italy at Stade de France in the Nations League. "Seeing it in person is even better, especially at his age," the 25-year-old Koné added. "To see that he still has that technique now means it must have been incredible in his era."

Zidane's two goals in the 1998 World Cup final win against Brazil made him an overnight superstar. A Ballon d'Or award followed and, two years later, his superb performances led Les Bleus to more glory at the European Championship. Zidane's last performance for France was in the 2006 World Cup final, which ended in a penalty shootout loss to Italy.

"It's a pleasure to be coached by Zidane, a world legend," Koné added. "He was a midfielder, so as a midfielder I listen to everything he says." Zidane played Koné in a central midfield role in a 1-0 win at Turkey last Friday. Two weeks ago, Koné scored twice for Roma against Inter Milan but has yet to find the net for Les Bleus. "The goal will come," he said.