Former Italy star and coach Roberto Donadoni defends Alessandro Romano: ‘If you think he can be the saviour of the nation, you are making the same mistakes as in the past.’

Cagliari talent Romano made his senior Italy debut on Friday against Belgium, but one of his two misplaced passes led to Belgium’s first-half opening goal.

Despite the criticism received after the game, Donadoni believes Roberto Mancini should continue relying on the 20-year-old midfielder.

“He’s a very promising player, someone to invest in because he has a good head on his shoulders and undoubted qualities,” Donadoni told Gazzetta.

Romano, a former Roma academy player, joined Cagliari on a permanent transfer this summer and scored on his Serie A debut against Parma in August, helping Cagliari win 1-0.

“In just a few months, he has gone from Serie B to the national team, a reality that’s hard to compare,” Donadoni said.

“Young players need to adjust to the change of level. What did we expect from a 20-year-old?

“Romano is serious, committed, and eager to train and keen to prove his worth,” Donadoni, a former Italy coach, added.