Rulli is no stranger to being the hero in a penalty shootout.
In the 2021 Europa League final, he famously scored a penalty for Villarreal against Manchester United, before denying opposite number David de Gea to decide the marathon shootout and the destiny of the trophy.
If Rulli had not already ingratiated himself to City supporters with that moment against their rivals, then he will have rubberstamped the affection on Wednesday night.
The goalkeeper had spent the 2016-17 season at City without making a first-team appearance and returned to the club to replace James Trafford after the England international moved to Leeds for £45m.
It looks to be a canny piece of business from City.
In the pre-match news conference, Maresca said Rulli was “doing well” and “knows exactly his role” as understudy to Donnarumma, and that message was re-iterated after the game.
Along with Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol, Italian Donnarumma has been given three days off to “recover the energy” and Maresca will be hoping he returns to training this week rejuvenated.
Donnarumma was at fault for Aston Villa’s second goal last weekend and Maresca acknowledged he has been “making some mistakes”.
“Apart from penalties, overall he was good especially in the build-up,” Maresca said of Rulli. “It was not easy because they are a team that go man to man and are aggressive.
“In the first half, we tried some long solutions with Floyd [Samba] and then in the second half we tried on the floor with Phil [Foden]. He made one good save and was good.”
