The international break is over. It’s time for Red and Black to come back to Milanello and prepare for Saturday’s big Serie A match against Juventus. Apart from Kalinic, who returned to Milan in advance, six of our players saw action in the second round of world friendly matches between Monday and Tuesday.
Gigio Donnarumma started in goal for Italy, played full 90’ and gave a good performance against England, despite the goal conceded in the first half. There was nothing he could do to stop Vardy’s opener. Leonardo Bonucci was Italy’s captain at Wembley (full-time score 1-1) and continues to show he is in great form. On the other hand, Bonaventura and Cutrone - who had his debut in Manchester against Argentina - remained on the bench.
Matteo Gabbia was also unused sub for Italy’s under 19 side. The young Azzurri drew 1-1 against the Czech Republic in the last match of the elite phase of the European championship.
As per the rest of our internationals, André Silva came on as a sub in the second spell in Portugal’s 3-0 defeat against Holland, whereas Lucas Biglia played the full match with Argentina and suffered a heavy loss against Spain (6-1). Moreover, Hakan Calhanoglu took the field for 69’ and made an assist in the friendly game between Montenegro and Turkey (2-2). Cristian Zapata started with Colombia and played until the end in the goalless tie against Australia. Lastly, Franck Kessié remained on the bench during the match between Ivory Coast and Moldova (0-0), as well as Ricardo Rodriguez during Switzerland’s crushing 6-0 victory over Panama.
