Donadoni defends Romano: the 20‑year‑old cannot save Italy
Roberto Donadoni, former player and national team coach, defends the young midfielder Alessandro Romano after his debut with Italy against Belgium on Friday (Friday), emphasizing that relying on a 20‑year‑old as a saviour is a recurring mistake. The midfielder missed a decisive pass, but Donadoni insists that Mancini keep him.
Debut against Belgium and the reaction
Alessandro Romano made his national team debut on Friday against Belgium. During the first half, one of the two misplaced passes allowed the opponents to score the opening goal. The goal was the first of the match, putting Belgium ahead on the scoresheet. The performance immediately drew criticism.
Donadoni defended the youngster, stating: “If you think he can save the nation, you are making the same mistakes of the past.” He added that Roberto Mancini should continue to rely on the 20‑year‑old, considering him a worthwhile investment. Donadoni also highlighted Romano’s technical qualities and maturity, despite his young age.
Prospects for Romano and Italy
Alessandro Romano, a product of Roma’s academy, moved to Cagliari on a permanent transfer this summer. He scored on his Serie A debut against Parma, contributing to the Sardinian club’s 1‑0 win. The midfielder showed good game vision and recovery ability.
Mancini blames Italy's passivity against Belgium
Donadoni emphasized the speed of his leap, from Serie B to the national team in a few months, calling it “a reality difficult to compare”. He recalled that young players need time to adapt to the new level.
According to the former coach, the whole environment – clubs, fans and the public – must support the youngsters. “It” is necessary to give them space, otherwise the risk is to repeat the same mistakes. This approach, he says, is also shared by other successful Italian national teams.
Roberto Mancini’s Italy will travel to Turkey tomorrow, Monday 28 September, to face Vincenzo Montella’s side in Bursa. The trip to Turkey marks Italy’s first commitment after the match against Belgium. The Nations League will see the Azzurri against Belgium, Turkey, France and Turkey again in the coming months.
Mancini warns Everest is easier if Italy stays the same
Donadoni recalled the three consecutive World Cup defeats and the loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 31 March, urging the players to turn those mistakes into motivation for qualification to the next tournament. The message is clear: past errors must serve to strengthen the team.