Pressure Piles on Under-Fire Italy Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma

Former Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has become a subject of mass criticism in Italy following last night’s disappointment in Skopje. North Macedonia spoiled Luciano Spalletti’s managerial debut by holding Gli Azzurri to a 1-1 draw, courtesy of Enis Bardhi’s late free-kick. 

Devastated Italy supporters have identified Donnarumma as the main culprit for another underwhelming result in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper was poorly positioned, helping Bardhi pick out a far corner and inflict a massive upset on the reigning European champions.

But despite Donnarumma’s sub-par reaction, it takes nothing away from Bardhi’s setpiece masterpiece. Unfortunately for Italy, the 24-year-old’s proneness to errors could cost them dearly in the ongoing qualifying campaign. With only four points from three matches, they trail Group C runners-up Ukraine by three.

Fans have grown vocal about their discontent with Donnarumma’s performance, urging Spalletti to drop him to the bench. And it’s not just the Milan faithful. Supporters all over Italy are complaining about the keeper’s lackluster form, demanding Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario to be named the new number one. 

Sky Italia journalist Peppe Di Stefano delivered his verdict on the ‘hostile climate’ surrounding Donnarumma following the national team’s return to Italy. During the latest training session at Milanello, the ex-Milan man has found himself on the receiving end of a harsh criticism. 

“Donnarumma? Even today there are 50 fans at Milanello, they all blow up if you talk about Gigio. The problem is that it’s not just the Milan fans. By now a hostile climate has been created even with the rest of the fans,” Di Stefano said during his Tutti Convocati interview.