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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:
Thursday: assist
— 433 (@433) March 28, 2021
Sunday: assist
Zlatan is back. pic.twitter.com/f8vZcbdVTY
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 Çalhanoğlu has been directly involved in four goals in his last three games for Turkey.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 30, 2021
⚽️ ️ vs. Netherlands
️ vs. Norway
️ vs. Latvia
A superb start to World Cup qualifying. pic.twitter.com/xX8WWXbtNd
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.
Absolutely love this passion from our Viking Warrior @simonkjaer1989 ⚔ pic.twitter.com/i7KSmS5A0H
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) April 1, 2021
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.
ℙ ℝ ♂️
— TheCalcioGuys (@TheCalcioGuys) April 2, 2021
With the @azzurri win the other day in #WCQ2022 vs Lithuania @gigiodonna1 now has 1️⃣4️⃣ clean sheets in 2️⃣5️⃣ appearances with Italy
In 2️⃣7️⃣ @SerieA appearances for @acmilan he has 9️⃣ clean sheets ⚫️
Let’s just say is in good hands pic.twitter.com/hZ0ppz04f7
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’s stats pic.twitter.com/3X1QSgpNC2
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) April 2, 2021
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.
Frankkkkkk ❤️ #CostadavorioEtiopia #milan #kessie pic.twitter.com/Vmm9iGid6q
— cjommy |cuore amaro| ✨ Auckland (@danielecateni1) March 30, 2021
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.