Italy saw their world record unbeaten run come to an end after 37 games and three years, but it was also their first competitive defeat in Milan since 1925.
The Azzurri knew their streak had to reach a conclusion sometime and it happened in the Nations League semi-final against Spain, a 2-1 result.
They were already a goal down when Leonardo Bonucci was sent off for a second bookable offence, making the comeback improbable.
Roberto Mancini oversaw a run of 28 victories and nine draws ahead of this defeat, a new all-time world record for international teams.
This beat the 36 set by Brazil from 1993-96 and 35 by Spain in 2007-09.
Italy had not tasted defeat since September 10, 2018, a 1-0 loss to Portugal.
The record run began almost a full three years before it ended, with a 1-1 friendly draw against Ukraine on October 10, 2018.
It was also their first defeat in the city of Milan since 1925, although San Siro has hardly been kind to the Nazionale recently.
The last victory in this arena was nine years ago, in October 2012 against Denmark, followed by five consecutive draws and this defeat.
Well without Chiellini the defense looked lost on the 2 goals. Donnaroma looked sleepy in the first half. He needs to play more. I liked the fight that the subs put up. Chiesa is a star. Thank God this wasn’t a real tournament. There is no shame in loosing to Spain especially with 10 men, thanks Banuch! We need to find replacements for the old defenders.
i gues the only one happy about this result is the milan fans. bunch of clown supporters. but the time is now for mancini to assure in the new players. time to give the likes of raspadori, kean, pellegrini and co a chance
Look at this jinx maybe a rubentus fan.you didn’t say anything when our academy product won your Europe trophy that is Dolarumma.however donarumma will never be welcome to sansiro again.
The only clown here is you Serie a LOVER. Players from other clubs cost Italy this match, not Dollarumma or Milan fans, but you keep your clown head in the sand where it belongs.
@Milan Fan…
1. The toxicity by some Milanisti toward Donnarumma negatively affected his Azzurri teammates. Anyone could see this on TV.
2. Yes, the Milanisti have a justifiable right to hold their feelings toward his decision to leave for PSG.
3. However, tribal loyalties should remain for Seria A matches, and remain secondary during a Nazionale home game.
4. Home qualifying and knockout tournament host matches for which the Azzurri qualify/reach should be played either in Torino,Bergamo, or Rome. I will include Palermo when Palermo arrives back to Seria A.
5. Return to play in Milan if Donnarumma returns to play in Seria A for Juve, for example.
Any thoughts?
@ Vittorio
No fan base in the world would do anything different than what happened tonight, period. It is what it is and everybody (Dollarumma included) knew this was coming. If it was such a big deal, they should have moved the venue or kept him on the bench.
He’s gonna get the same treatment wherever he plays, even 10 years from now. That’s just my opinion.
@Milan Fan…
Thank you for responding to my post. I respect your statement. I have an honest question. Namely, should the FiGC exec. board schedule qualification and competitive Azzurri matches in Bergamo instead of Milan at least temporarily?
My thought would be that this negative, although understandable, reaction will be mitigated if/when Donnarimma returns to play in Seria A.
Support for the Nazionale supercedes local allegences. Mancini is correct on this one.
Vittorio you are spot on,
“2. Yes, the Milanisti have a justifiable right to hold their feelings toward his decision to leave for PSG.
3. However, tribal loyalties should remain for Seria A matches, and remain secondary during a Nazionale home game.”
Sorry, Milanista, but Italian fans mucked it up tonight. Spain has been making Italy look like a step child for the last decade. The least Italians can do is voracious support our boys.
Period
Message to Milan Fan and Abdul:
Do you not get it that Donnarumma played for Italy last night!
Based on your views, I hope PSG beat Milan. I used to like Milan but you guys have put me off.
I support my Italia, I do not care who they play for at club level. I am so glad that the Italian players think like me as the Group Mentality is what made us win the Euro 2020.
Always Forza Italia and every single player that plays for Italia.
“He’s gonna get the same treatment wherever he plays, even 10 years from now. That’s just my opinion.”
Nah. Only by half the stadium in Milan. Proof? Will arrive soon. Let’s see the 3rd Place match in Torino what the reaction will be.
Don’t lump the rest of Italy with toxic Milan.
They won’t play there for years. Bergamo, Parma, Udine, Rome, Florence, Bari, Napoli will get Italy matches for the next decade.
Milan can’t have nice things.
And agree with another comment — really hope Milan advance to the Knockout Round of the UCL, draw PSG, and it goes to spotkicks.
@ dangerboy
I meant in whichever team he plays in the future, like Juve. Not surprising though, your comments show that you are not that bright.
I don’t care if Italy plays in Milan or not, but that’s what gonna happen if they do, deal with it. I’ll bet he’ll get booed even in the next match though, just watch.