In a tense finish to Italy’s meeting with Belgium, the frustrations surrounding the Azzurri’s difficult run spilled into a confrontation between Gianluigi Donnarumma and Romelu Lukaku.
Italy, beginning a new phase under Roberto Mancini, again showed the shortcomings that have prevented the side from finding consistency. Yet the most striking moment came near the final whistle, when Lukaku made a silencing gesture towards Donnarumma after an exchange on the pitch.
The Belgium forward, now at Fenerbahçe after spells that included Inter and Napoli, put a finger to his lips in the direction of the Italian goalkeeper. Donnarma, who began his senior career across the city at AC Milan before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later Manchester City, ran from deep inside his own half to challenge him.
The pair faced each other before the referee stepped between them and stopped the argument escalating. Lukaku and Donnarumma were both booked, while Daniel Maldini also received a yellow card for holding back the Belgian striker during the incident.
