Maresca praises Rulli after Manchester City penalty shootout win

Enzo Maresca praised Geronimo Rulli after the goalkeeper’s penalty shootout heroics secured Manchester City a dramatic victory over Brighton in the fourth round of the League Cup.

Manchester City twice came from behind in an entertaining match at Etihad Stadium, which finished 2-2 after 90 minutes. Rulli then made two successive saves from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to help his side win the shootout 4-3.

The match was only Rulli’s second appearance for the club, but Maresca said his contribution had extended beyond the penalties.

“Putting the penalty shootout to one side, Rulli’s overall performance was very good,” Maresca said in comments published by his club.

“He works hard, but he knows his role perfectly, without any doubt. On Saturday, Gianluigi Donnarumma will play, along with 10 other players.”

Maresca also revealed that Manchester City had not specifically practised penalty shootouts since he took charge, before Rulli’s saves delivered victory.

“Since I came here, we have never practised them,” he said.

The result keeps Manchester City’s defence of the League Cup on track. They are the competition’s holders after beating Arsenal by two goals in last season’s final.

Donnarumma was among a number of Manchester City players absent for the match. Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Matheus Nunes were also missing.