Paolo Maldini was pleased with Italy’s performance against England last Saturday, but the former defender insists there is still more to come.
The Azzurri got their World Cup off to a good start by beating the Three Lions 2-1 in Manaus last weekend.
And the ex-international has claimed that this could just be the start of something special.
Paolo Maldini was pleased with Italy’s performance against England last Saturday, but the former defender insists there is still more to come.
The Azzurri got their World Cup off to a good start by beating the Three Lions 2-1 in Manaus last weekend.
And the ex-international has claimed that this could just be the start of something special.
“I wasn’t blown away but it was a good start, coming off the back of what was clearly great preparation,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The group, despite the injuries, has done well. They are clearly giving their all for the shirt.
“And then there is Buffon – you could feel his presence on the pitch, even though he didn’t play.
“Some people may criticise what they think is ‘Italian football’. We defend, yes – but that is no bad thing.
“Obviously, our League is played at a pace that is much lower than others on the continent. But clubs and national teams are completely different things.”