Gianluigi Donnarumma was writhing in pain and holding his hand with a sad look, the football fans in the stadium in Bologna feared for their beloved "Gigio".

The Italian goalkeeper hero of last summer's European Championship seemed to have been seriously injured in a collision with Antonio Rüdiger in the 1-1 (0-0) draw against Germany in the final stages of the Nations League.

The Paris St Germain goalkeeper was treated minutes after the final whistle and was beside himself.

He didn't let Rüdiger, who rushed over apologetically, comfort him either.

But from the point of view of national coach Roberto Mancini, everything was not so wild.

"He has a problem with his finger, but he has nine more," said the coach laconically.

Donnarumma could "stay and keep playing," Mancini added.

The renewed Azzurri meet Hungary in Tuesday's second group game, who surprisingly beat England 1-0.

Mancini also shared compliments.

"I think Germany is one of the favorite teams, along with Argentina, Spain, Brazil and France, who could win the World Cup," said the 57-year-old after the game.

The DFB selection of national coach Hansi Flick had previously not convinced against a completely newly formed Azzurri team for long stretches.

"Italy did very well," Flick confirmed to the opponent.

"The new way will be hard"

After the game in the northern Italian city, Mancini was satisfied with the performance of his team.

The coach of the European champions made ten changes on Saturday night compared to the 3-0 defeat against Argentina in London a few days earlier, mainly from youngsters who had never played together before.

"You can't think that in one game they can decide the fate of Italy's future," Mancini said.

Since the end of the qualifying playoffs for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Italian football has once again faced major challenges.

Mancini wants to reorganize his team, but faces the problem of finding suitable players - especially on the offensive.

"It will be hard to take this new path," said the Italian.

His debutants were happy about their chance.

18-year-old Wilfried Gnonto from FC Zurich, who came on from Mancini in the second half and hit the decisive cross on goalscorer Lorenzo Pellegrini, thanked the coach.

"I enjoy every moment.

It's a privilege and an honor for me," Gnoto said on Rai TV.

The Italian media were also delighted with the performance:

"La Repubblica":

"There's still the blue (Azzurro) - Italy on par with Germany: (...) Flick's players didn't overwhelm the experimental team of the Azzurri.

The infamous FIFA ranking hasn't deteriorated and in the dreaded Nations League group, England are bottom so far, defeated by Hungary.”

“Corriere della Sera”:

“Youthful sin – after the defeat against Argentina, the Azzurri are hurrying to get back on their feet: it will take time, but all is not lost.

A brave Italy, confused by Argentina, clinched a dreaded Nations League opener against Germany, one of the favorites at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, which the Azzurri will watch bitterly on TV.”

"La Stampa":

"The blue hope - good start of the national team reacting to the crash of Wembley: An experimental Italy in Bologna with six debutants.

A comforting test against a Germany saved by Kimmich after a Pellegrini goal.”

"Gazzetta dello Sport":

"Blue hail - six debutants in Bologna and a nice draw against the Germans: young Italy has risen.

A tale by Gnonto, the 18-year-old with his debut and a template for Pellegrini.”

"Corriere dello Sport":

"The new Italy draws against Germany: Pellegrini is not enough.

But what a debut from Gnonto!”

"Tuttosport":

"New beginning - Italy with a good draw against Germany: Kimmich responds to Pellegrini.

Debut assisted by Gnonto!”