Review of the Rossoneri Performances in the International Break

None of the Rossoneri tasted defeat over the international break and we saw a number of fine goals, assists and overall performances. Here's the highlights:

Hakan fires away a Screamer

Hakan Calhanoglu has a stunning international break playing in both of Turkey’s EURO Qualifiers. He scored a golazo in his first game against Albania securing a 2-0 victory. He also got himself an assist with an overhead kick to help Turkey demolish Moldova 4-0.This capped two impressive performances for Hakan.

Piatek with the Winner

Krzysztof Piatek had a really impressive international break too. He came off the bench in Poland’s first qualifier to score the winner from a scrappy corner. This gifted Poland a 1-0 victory over Austria. Piatek started the second game alongside Robert Lewandowski in a 2-0 victory over Latvia.

Paqueta Nets on His Debut

Lucas Paqueta created quite a bit of buzz with his Brazil call-up because he received the coveted No. 10 jersey. He lived up to the hype by netting his first ever goal for Brazil. Paqueta received plaudits for his performance against Panama where Brazil drew 1-1. Paqueta also started the second game against Czech Republic but came off at half time with Brazil prevailing 3-1.

Donnarumma still a Rock

Gigio Donnarumma started Italy’s EURO Qualifier against Finland. He kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory where he had relatively little work to do.

Romagnoli Starts at CB

Alessio Romagnoli started Italy’s second qualifier playing CB alongside Leonardo Bonucci and kept a clean sheet against Liechtenstein. Italy ran riot winning the game 6-0 and boosting the Italian National Team to the Top of their Group.

Laxalt Lifts China Cup

Diego Laxalt played in both the Semi-Finals and Finals of the China Cup helping Uruguay win the tournament beating Czech Republic 2-0 and beating Wales 1-0 in the Final. Laxalt kept two clean sheets and lifted some silverware, albeit a friendly cup.

Kessie Helps Ivory Coast Qualify

Franck Kessie played both of Ivory Coast’s final qualification games from the African Cup of Nations. The team recorded two big wins with a 3-0 victory over Rwanda. to lock down the second spot going into the group stage draw for the AFCON and qualification. He then started in a friendly against Liberia where they won 1-0. Ivory Coast are favourites to win the AFCON with their stacked team that includes Kessie, Jean Michael Seri, Eric Bailly, Wilfried Zaha, Souleyman Doumbia, Max Gradel and Maxwel Cornet.

Rodriguez Gets Injury Scare

Ricardo Rodriguez had a relatively quiet spell at the international break. He kept a clean sheet in Switzerland’s 2-0 victory against Georgia. Thereafter, he started their game against Denmark but was withdrawn due to injury in a game that eventually stalled at 3-3. He is projected to recover in time for the Sampdoria game.

On a sidenote, Milan Glorie took on Liverpool Legends at Anfield and lost 3-2. However, AC Milan scored two sublime goals and we got to see many of our heroes back on the pitch.