Pippo Inzaghi called Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma “the new Gigi Buffon” and Manuel Locatelli “the future of Italian football.”

The former Rossoneri Coach, now in charge of Lega Pro side Venezia, cast his eye over the current situation at San Siro after a 2-1 defeat to Udinese.

Some newspapers and fans were highly critical of teenagers Donnarumma and Locatelli for their performances over the last few games.

Pippo Inzaghi called Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma “the new Gigi Buffon” and Manuel Locatelli “the future of Italian football.”

The former Rossoneri Coach, now in charge of Lega Pro side Venezia, cast his eye over the current situation at San Siro after a 2-1 defeat to Udinese.

Some newspapers and fans were highly critical of teenagers Donnarumma and Locatelli for their performances over the last few games.

“I would hope that people and the media help safeguard our young talents,” he told La Domenica Sportiva.

“We are always saying that we don’t let young players have a chance, then criticise them the moment there’s a mistake. When you play youth, it is inevitable you’ll have these peaks and troughs.

“I compliment Milan and Vincenzo Montella for picking them so regularly and I am sure they can emerge from this rough moment. We can’t start debating the young players after every single game. Montella knows better than anyone how to use these players.

“We’ve got Donnarumma, who is already playing senior football for Italy at 17 and is the new Buffon. If Locatelli had Riccardo Montolivo by his side it would probably help, giving advice and setting the example.

“We’ve got to give some leeway and realise that, in his position, Locatelli can misplace a pass and it could be damaging, but he is the future of Italian football. He’ll learn from all this.”

His younger brother Simone is the Coach of Lazio, currently fighting the Rossoneri for a place in Europe.

“I remain Milan’s top fan and always want to know the results of Milan and Lazio, for obvious reasons,” smiled Pippo.

“When I see Gianluca Lapadula play and fire up the fans with his work-rate, it reminds of what those supporters gave me. Of course, we were accustomed to winning the Champions League, so it’ll take a little time, but I hope that Milan soon return to that level and those big stages.” 

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