Italy beat Ukraine 2-1 on Tuesday and Lorenzo Bettoni from San Siro brings you the three things you may have missed by watching the game on TV.
After discussing the tactical aspects of Luciano Spalletti’s first victory as Italy’s coach, I’ll guide you through what may have gone unnoticed by watching the Azzurri’s win on TV.
Donnarumma
It was a tough night for Gigio who was booed by Milan fans at the Stadio Meazza. The start wasn’t too bad as some supporters did clap the 24-year-old keeper during the warm-up and when line-ups had been announced. Things got worse throughout the game, with boos becoming louder and louder, especially in the second half when Donnarumma moved to the goal under the Curva Sud, populated by Milan fans. However, ordinary supporters continued backing Donnarumma. Some of them sang ‘Gigio, Gigio’ after a noisy round of boos and the ex-Milan keeper showed his appreciation by waving at them. Back-up keeper Guglielmo Vicario supported his teammate too, hugging him after the final whistle.
Zaniolo
Nicolò Zaniolo, on the other hand, received praise from all Italian fans at San Siro last night. The Aston Villa winger was subbed off in the second half but was on the opposite side of the pitch when Luciano Spalletti called him to the bench. Therefore, he walked out from the closest sideline and had to march towards the Azzurri bench. During his walk, Italy supporters cheered him, and Nico surely enjoyed the reception at the Stadio Meazza as he waved at fans too. Zaniolo had played for Inter before his move to Roma in 2018, but never made his senior Nerazzurri debut. On the contrary, he was included in a swap deal to get Radja Nainggolan, a transfer priority for the at-the-time Inter coach Spalletti.
Ukraine fans
There were circa 60,000 fans at San Siro last night, including more than 3,000 Ukrainians. Most of the away supporters were on the third tier, just above the Curva Sud, but Ukraine flags could be seen in almost every sector of the Stadio Meazza. They were loud and proud and supported their lads until the very end. Most had arrived at San Siro more than two hours before kick-off, but the atmosphere inside and outside the stadium was friendly and enjoyable. Italian fans and players even clapped while Ukraine’s anthem was played before kick-off.