Donnarumma calls on Italy supporters after ‘heartbreaking’ summer with no World Cup
Gianluigi Donnarumma has rallied the Italy supporters, calling on them to help the Azzurri into a new era under Roberto Mancini after a ‘heartbreaking’ summer that left the squad watching the 2026 World Cup from home: ‘Together, we have to rewrite our history’.
Donnarumma on Italy expectations and ‘heartbreaking’ summer
The Manchester City stopper and Italy national team captain spoke in-depth to Sky Sport Italia ahead of the upcoming September-October international break, which will see the Azzurri take on Belgium, Turkiye, France and Turkiye again in the Nations League.
Donnarumma captained the side that lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup play-off final at the end of March, which led to a complete overhaul of the Italy national team set-up.
Head coach Gennaro Gattuso has been replaced by Euro 2020 winner Mancini, Gianluigi Buffon has also left the delegation, as has FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Giovanni Malago is now in charge of the Italian FA and has handed the role of technical director over to Claudio Ranieri, albeit after a 17-day spell where Paolo Maldini was in charge.
Italy were also in friendly action in June, although Donnarumma was one of the few established, senior members of what was an incredibly young squad made up almost entirely of U21 players under the interim reign of Silvio Baldini.
Now Donnarumma and his regular Italy teammates are setting their sights on a return to competitive international action, beginning with a visit from Belgium on September 25.
“We’ll need a lot of positivity,” Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia.
“I already know the sort of atmosphere we’ll walk into because it wasn’t an easy summer. It’s been incredibly tough. Now we need to turn the page, we need to be optimistic, start being positive again and build a strong squad. That’s something only we can do.
“I want to thank all the Italian people who will be supporting us in these opening Nations League matches, because we need them. We need their energy and the drive they give us. Together, we have to rewrite our history, it’s so important.
“I know it’s been a difficult summer, for me and for everyone. Watching the World Cup while not being there was heartbreaking for all the guys. But we have to pick ourselves up, there’s no other option.
“Mancini is back and I’m sure he’ll help bring the desire we need to get through these matches and the upcoming qualifiers.”
Italy will want to give a good account of themselves in the Nations League, but major tournaments are what matter most to the fans. The next one will be Euro 2028, which will be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Donnarumma was asked if he believes in good omens and whether he is excited by the prospect of Mancini leading Italy to another Euros final at Wembley.
“Touch wood!,” he replied. “But yes, Wembley brings up one of the best moments of my life, possibly the absolute best along with the birth of my son. That was so special to me. The image that I will always remember is the hug between Mister Mancini and Gianluca Vialli after the final. That was extraordinary, beautiful to witness.
“It showed how much Gianluca meant to all of us, to our squad, and to one of his closest friends. That’s a memory I will always carry with me. I’m certain we will get back to performing well, qualifying for the Euros and then the World Cup. With Mister Mancini, Italy will return to where it belongs.”
Donnarumma on Man City’s flying start and life under Maresca
The conversation began to pivot towards Donnarumma’s experiences with Manchester City and life under Italian head coach Enzo Maresca, who took on the tough task of replacing the legendary Pep Guardiola at The Etihad.
City are one of two Premier League sides with a 100% win record still in tact after four matches, and Donnarumma has kept clean sheets in his three most recent competitive matches between the Premier League and Champions League.
The most recent one came away against rivals Manchester United, despite the fact that Phil Foden was sent off after 23 minutes.
“It’s a victory that has brought us a great deal of confidence,” said Donnarumma. “The derby means a lot to both sides here and playing with 10 men for that long is never easy. It’s incredibly tough, actually, let alone to go on and win it.
“We stayed positive from start to finish, even after Foden was sent off. We tried to take the initiative, we defended well during the tough spells and ultimately managed to secure a win that will give us a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season.”
On his new head coach, Donnarumma added: “Maresca says that great strikers must be ready at the crucial moment and the same applies to goalkeepers. I’m always happy to help the team. I always try to give my all and stay focused, no matter what minute of the game we’re in.
“Making a decisive save in the 94th minute of a derby is an even better feeling, though. Knowing I helped the team to win in such an important game is a special feeling, but what matters most is bringing home the three points.
“The derby is a special match that means so much to the fans, but it’s behind us now. We need to keep working hard. We have another big game on Sunday and then a bit of a break, then the international fixtures.”
Donnarumma and Maresca grew up in a similar neck of the woods in the regions nearby to Napoli.
“Every now and then, a few words from our dialect slip out,” Donnarumma admitted .”He’s put a lot of faith in me, he trusts me a lot. He chose me as one of the team captains and that’s a huge source of pride for me, to represent this club with that responsibility.
“He pays a lot of attention to detail, he helps you a lot and has created a wonderful atmosphere.
“We’ve built a good chemistry, we’ve brought in some new players but they’ve not struggled to adapt to a new league, they’ve integrated perfectly from the off. They’ve felt at home from the very first moment because of him, his work and his staff.
“The way he pays attention to the details, the way he speaks to you, the way he manages the team, it’s really special. I’m happy and proud to be part of this team and to be coached by him.
“His staff are great, but I already knew that because I lost a final 3-0 against him, so I already knew what sort of coaches they were coming in. But beyond being a good coach, Maresca is a really special person who makes you feel good.”
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