Donadoni defends Romano: don't expect a 20-year-old saviour

Roberto Donadoni has urged patience with Alessandro Romano after the Cagliari midfielder's mixed Italy debut against Belgium.

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What happened. Alessandro Romano made his senior Italy debut against Belgium, but one of his two misplaced passes led to Belgium's opening goal. Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni defended the 20-year-old, saying he should be invested in but not treated as a saviour.

• Donadoni: 'He's a very promising player, someone to invest in'
• Romano joined Cagliari permanently this summer and scored on his Serie A debut
• Italy travel to Turkey to face Vincenzo Montella's side on Monday, September 28

“If you think he can be the saviour of the nation, you are making the same mistakes as in the past.”

— Roberto Donadoni

Italy's next match is in Turkey, where Romano may get another chance to show he belongs at international level.

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