Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was particularly pleased to see Milan legend Paolo Maldini in the stands for the 2-1 victory over Venezuela on Thursday night, as the Paris Saint-Germain stopper hailed the ‘extraordinary’ relationship the pair have enjoyed.
Maldini and Donnarumma shared a big hug after full-time in Miami on Thursday evening.
Donnarumma was at the centre of attention in the opening period of Thursday’s victory over Venezuela after he pulled off a double-save from the penalty spot to deny Salomon Rondon and Jefferson Savarino after an Italian mix-up at the back.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle in the United States, Donnarumma said that he and Maldini have ‘a special relationship’.
“We always talk, and I was really pleased to see him – I didn’t know he was here,” Donnarumma said, reported via TMW.
Donnarumma also gave his assessment of Italy’s performance on the day.
“I’m happy, especially for the team. We knew that facing a South American team wouldn’t be an easy challenge, (they were) a physical team and it’s no coincidence there were a lot of fouls.
“This game will help us in the future, to fix certain situations and to be prepared for matches that count.
“We had very little time together and now we have to use the time available to get all the information that the coach wants.”
Italy will face Ecuador in another international friendly later this week, kicking off at 20.00 GMT on Sunday evening at the Red Bull Arena in New York.
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