MN: Maignan returns with confidence after France heroics – Milan hope for upturn in form
While the international break can be seen as a nuisance in terms of interrupting momentum, sometimes it can see players return in better form.
As MilanNews writes, after France qualified for the UEFA Nations League Final Four, the French media headlines were all about Mike Maignan who was decisive in Sunday’s match against Croatia, saving two penalties in the shootout.
Adding to this is the penalty saved by the Milan goalkeeper in the first leg that allowed Deschamps’ team to lose ‘only’ by two goals (the score was 0-0 at the time he stopped Kramaric’s spot kick as well), it was a very positive break.
After the game Kylian Mbappé praised Maignan in an interview with TF1: “We know we have a goalkeeper who makes the difference in penalties, so we are at an advantage.” His comments were followed up by those of Didier Deschamps, the head coach.
“The French national team players know very well that Mike is very efficient on penalties. He has that quality, so much the better. It is a technical ability. He is a goalkeeper who played well in this penalty shootout, we owe him the qualification. It would have been frustrating to lose because before we had the opportunity to have a bigger gap.”
Sergio Conceicao will be happy to watch the performances of the former Lille goalkeeper and now hope that he can return to being decisive for the Rossoneri, in the Coppa Italia final four and in the push for a top four spot.
So far, it would be fair to say that Maignan has not lived up to expectations in 2024-25, but there are still several games to play (11 or 12 with the possible Coppa Italia final) and two important objectives to achieve to save the season, both for the team and individually.
-
Inter Milan Continue Preparations For Udinese After International Break – Two Stars Return To Base Tomorrow
Inter Milan have begun preparations for Sunday’s Serie A match against Udinese without Mehdi Taremi and Kristjan Asllani.According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, both players should ...Yahoo Sports - 14h -
Brennan hopes for improved away form following return
Ciaran Brennan hopes Newport County can replicate their strong Rodney Parade form when they play away from home. The Exiles beat Harrogate Town 3-0 in south Wales on Saturday to earn a 10th home ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17 -
Can Scotland's 'France-lite' thwart Les Bleus and hand England title?
Imperious yet vulnerable, France face a less clinical version of themselves as Scotland aim to spoil the hosts' Six Nations title hopes, writes Tom English.BBC News - Mar. 15 -
Can Scotland's 'France-lite' thwart Les Bleus and hand England title?
Imperious yet vulnerable, France face a less clinical version of themselves as Scotland aim to spoil the hosts' Six Nations title hopes, writes Tom English.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
Mbappé criticizes himself for previous mistakes as he returns to captain France
Kylian Mbappé returns to lead France against Croatia after a six-month absence and on Wednesday criticized himself over how he handled the captaincy before. It will be his first start for France ...Yahoo Sports - 6d -
France beat Croatia on penalties to reach Nations League semi-finals
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved twice in the shoot-out as France beat Croatia 5-4 on penalties on Sunday after their UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie had ended 2-2 on aggregate, sealing a place ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Bell returned to the dirt. Now no one in NASCAR can stop him
After his team-imposed ban on dirt racing was lifted, Christopher Bell is back enjoying the hobby he loves, and his NASCAR form has never been better.ESPN - Mar. 13 -
Official: Two Real Madrid players start for France against Croatia
With the international break underway, France are set to take on Croatia in the UEFA Nations League fixture later tonight.Ahead of kickoff, manager Didier Deschamps has announced the starting ...Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Here's who can return to Memphis basketball in 2025-26, and what they said about futures
Here's who can return to Memphis basketball in 2025-26, and what those players said about their futures after their NCAA tournament loss on Friday.Yahoo Sports - 4d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Will Wade promises NCAA Tournament appearance in Year 1 in NC State introduction: 'This is not a rebuild'
The new NC State head coach wasn't short on confidence.Yahoo Sports - 36m -
Dak Prescott's shortcomings are impacting the club's coaching decisions, approach
Dak Prescott's mobility issues and injury concerns play a part in the Dallas Cowboys offensive design and philosophy under Brian SchottenheimerYahoo Sports - 40m -
World Athletics approves swab test to determine female gender
World Athletics said on Tuesday it had approved the introduction of a cheek swab test to determine if an athlete is biologically female.World Athletics is looking at cheek swab tests but is also ...Yahoo Sports - 47m -
LA Kings’ Kuemper Latest to Test NHL’s Stance on Goalie Fights
Unlike the other major North American sports leagues (MLB, NBA, and the NFL), the NHL has codified fighting into its game. Five-minute majors for fighting and two-minute minors for instigating are ...Yahoo Sports - 47m -
Notre Dame 2026 four-star DE target Rodney Dunham sets decision date
The Charlotte, N.C., prospect took an unofficial visit to ND this past weekend and will announce his decision April 10Yahoo Sports - 47m
More in Sports
-
Answering seven big questions on Russell Wilson to the Giants: What's the QB plan?
The Giants' search for a veteran QB in free agency ended with both Wilson and Jameis Winston.ESPN - 34m -
Will Wade promises NCAA Tournament appearance in Year 1 in NC State introduction: 'This is not a rebuild'
The new NC State head coach wasn't short on confidence.Yahoo Sports - 36m -
Butler is back in Miami: Follow live as the Warriors visit the Heat
The Golden State Warriors take on the Miami Heat with Jimmy Butler returning to face the team that traded him in January.ESPN - 37m -
Follow live: Rivals Brazil, Argentina meet in World Cup qualifier
nullESPN - 39m -
Transfer rumors, news: Bayern eye Gyökeres to replace Tel
Bayern Munich's striker search could hinge on the permanent departure of Mathys Tel to Tottenham. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.ESPN - 40m