clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Highlights Of AC Milan’s Players In The International Break

Milan’s squad performed really well but seemed exhausted back at the San Siro.

FBL-WC-2022-EUR-QUALIFIERS-TUR-LAT Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

AC Milan’s squad looked lethargic in their first game back from the international break agaisnt Sampdoria at the San Siro which ended 1-1. Milan’s players provided 2 goals and 6 assists as well as 7 clean sheets. Here’s a look at the highlights and overall performance from the Milanisti for their respective national sides:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Sweden

The veteran striker made his return to his national team after five years. The striker managed to provide two key assists securing two big wins for his national side. Both assists were side-footed and aided the opening goals and a match winner. He was benched for the final friendly.

Hakan Calhanoglu - Turkey

The trequartista was on fire in the international break with three huge wins and a goal related contribution in each one. He scored a banger and provided an assist in the huge win over the Netherlands. He would pick up a further two assists; one against Norway and one against Latvia to round out an important international break.

Simon Kjaer - Denmark

The veteran defender played each of the three World Cup qualifiers for his national side. He started the games against Israel and Austria but came off the bench against Moldova. Denmark hammered each of their opponents 2-0, 8-0 and 4-0 respectively. The leadership of Kjaer helped the side keep clean sheets for the entire break and he led the side in a crazy celebration as above.

Gianluigi Donnarumma - Italy

The young goalkeeper is now Italy’s no. 1 and he has been a commanding presence behind the defence. Italy picked up three wins, each of them 2-0 in their World Cup qualifiers. Donnarumma started all three games and kept three clean sheets. A perfect break for the Milan vice captain.

Brahim Diaz - Spain U21

The trequartista played just one game for Spain but showed his impact providing an important assist for the opener against Slovenia. He was on the bench against Italy U21 and Czech Republic U21.

Franck Kessie - Ivory Coast

The midfielder continues to boost his scoring number for the 2020/21 season with another penalty. He was pivotal is both his national sides fixtures picking up two wins in the AFCON qualification matches.

Diogo Dalot started all three games for Portugal U21 as they beat Croatia, England and Switzerland. He played as a left back in each of those games showing his Milan position change is sticking.

Matteo Gabbia started two games for Italy U21 and kept one clean sheet. He played in the 1-1 draw with Czech Republic and a 4-0 win against Slovenia playing in a back three.

Rade Krunic played both World Cup qualifiers for Bosnia and Herzegovina but struggled alongside his team who drew with Finland and lost to France.

Sandro Tonali started for Italy U21 in the 1-1 draw with Czech Republic but received a harsh red card at the 84th minute leading to his withdrawal from the squad.

Ismael Bennacer played one game with Algeria in their 5-0 win over Botswana for about 60 minutes.

Jens Petter Hauge played just 45 minutes for Norway off the bench in a 3-0 win over Gibraltar.

Alexis Saelemaekers did not feature for Belgium but was on the bench throughout.

Pierre Kalulu was also not used by France U21 and remained on the bench throughout.