Ancelotti: ‘Maignan was the best replacement for Donnarumma at Milan’

Italy international's #1, 

Gianluigi Donnarumma

, refused to commit his future to Milan as 

.

However, 

, 

Mike Maignan

, as the Italian's replacement.

Keeping 21 clean sheets in 38 Ligue 1 games, the 25-year-old was essential in 

Lille’s 

historic season as they lifted the league trophy for the first time in a decade.

“I spoke to Paolo Maldini and I expressed my satisfaction, it was a choice that made some noise,” the former 

Milan

 player and manager, 

Carlo Ancelotti

, told 

.

“I know Maignan from my time at PSG, then he was a boy, and I could sense his talents. I often let him train with the first team.

“He’s a very calm person, technically essential. He will always be secure and useful.”

On the criticism 

Italy

 received since only five players of them 'took the knee' before their Euro 2020 game against Wales, the former Chelsea boss said: “Here in England it has become a habit.

“We have been doing it for a year and a half and there’s no discussion.

“I think it’s not essential to kneel for a few seconds. The question is not resolved. The real issue is to educate the new generations on the issue of racism that is still present in our societies.”

On 

Roberto Mancini’s Italy

 splendid run at Euro 2020, the Italian added: “They are the great surprise and at the same time the novelty of the tournament.

“Because they play attacking football, without any shrewdness, they have a proven defensive organisation and has the youth as its hard core, guaranteeing running and enthusiasm.

“Beyond the results, I have seen a united group and a team that play well in all conditions. It’s thanks to the clear ideas of Roberto Mancini.

“In three years he has worked with the same game system in which the Azzurri find themselves comfortable. He has changed some of the protagonists, without experimenting. He has gone straight down his own path, obtaining adherence to the style he wanted to impose.”

On his former player at 

PSG

, 

Marco Verratti,

 who returned to the starting line-up against Wales, 

Ancelotti 

said: “I know him well, I coached him in Paris. “He has a great personality, to which he has now added international experience.

“He is one of the few in the Azzurri who has played for the Champions League and this quality will also count now that the European Championship enters the final stages.”

Italy face Austria at Wembley tomorrow and Ancelotti believes the Azzurri are favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals.

“Italy, for their characteristics, for the freshness they express, are able to compete with everyone,” Ancelotti claimed. “Even with the big names in the competition.”

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