Monza midfielder Matteo Pessina tries to argue that both Luciano Spalletti and Davide Frattesi have a point when discussing Italy fans jeering Gianluigi Donnarumma. ‘The truth is usually in the middle.’
For the second time that the Azzurri have played at San Siro since Donnarumma’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, Milan supporters loudly booed and jeered every time the goalkeeper touched the ball, even though he was representing their country at the time.
The self-destructive attitude caused a great deal of debate, even among the Nazionale squad, as while Frattesi said it was “disgraceful” and shocking, coach Spalletti warned nobody has the right to tell fans they mustn’t protest.
When he spoke to reporters at the Premio Gentleman this evening, Pessina was asked for his view on the situation.
“Both Frattesi and Spalletti said things that are entirely fair. It is never nice or easy to play when there are jeers, but the coach rightly said that we have to earn applause,” said Pessina.
“The truth is usually in the middle. When we are representing the Nazionale, it is right that everyone is working in the same direction, so we can achieve things together.”
Donnarumma seemed unfazed by the entirely situation, as this is not the first time he has been insulted while representing Italy.
Indeed, Milan fans threw fake money at him when he was playing for the Under-21 Italy side during contract negotiations.
“Everyone knows Gigio, he has so much character for his age. He is one of the best three goalkeepers in the world and you don’t reach that level without keeping your head held high during tough moments.”
Spalletti took over the Italy job after Roberto Mancini’s sudden resignation on August 13 and started his tenure with a draw in North Macedonia and 2-1 win over Ukraine.
“It was a victory we really wanted, that we needed, so it was necessary. We controlled the game and ran very few risks, trying to put Spalletti’s ideas into practice,” continued Pessina.
“Results had not been coming for a while. For us and for all the Italy fans who follow us, we decided to give something more to qualify for the next Euros and World Cup.”