MN: San Siro display reaffirms Maignan’s status with Milan and France | OneFootball

Mike Maignan experienced the rather strange situation of playing at San Siro for a team that was not AC Milan last night, leading France out against Italy.

As MilanNews recalls, the 3-1 victory helped Didier Deschamps’ side steal top spot from the Azzurri and a brilliant save to deny Moise Kean in the 94th minute meant that Maignan drew plenty of praise.

Despite Italy’s negative result, the goalkeeper was widely applauded by the entire San Siro crowd at the final whistle. Both at Milan and with Les Bleus he is one of the predominant personalities in their respective dressing rooms, a leader for Paulo Fonseca and Deschamps.

After Italy had beaten France in the return game, Maignan was apparently furious after the game and one phrase he said caused discussion: “Only two Italian players would play for France.” Rather than a lack of respect, it was a way to awaken a bit of pride in his team-mates.

He spoke of ‘revenge’ after last night’s game and the result is that Milan will welcome back a goalkeeper in great form who once again took advantage of the big stage to reaffirm his status as a superior player.

Gianluigi Donnarumma – despite his comments on the eve of the match – evidently has a bit of a phobia of San Siro. Maignan on the other hand felt at ease and at home, with his attention now turned to Saturday’s game at the same stadium against Juventus.