Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy captain, addressed the painful absence from the 2026 World Cup and the team’s future ahead of clashes with Luxembourg and Greece. The goalkeeper confessed that the defeat to Bosnia is a wound that he will carry with him forever.
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«I will carry it forever… the game against Bosnia is a wound that will not heal», admitted Donnarumma, remembering the night that changed everything: «We had a perfect eve, I had good feelings about the positivity of the group, the presence of Rino [Gattuso] and Gigi [Buffon]. And yet…»
Despite the disappointment, the captain of the Italian national team showed he was ready to lead a new generation. «I felt obliged to make a call, to show my availability. The coach decided to call me up and I’m very happy to be here”, he stated, highlighting that his teammates would also like to be present, but understood the coach’s commitment to his group.
Donnarumma revealed that he felt excited about training with the new talents. «I feel a good feeling when training with them, I get emotional. We also have talent, you will notice that. From this Italy we will draw energy, lightness and initiative, everything we need to dream again», he declared.
The goalkeeper also left an appeal to the fans, asking for confidence despite the deep disappointment. — I understand the fans, I understand their deep disappointment that can turn into disinterest, but, at the same time, I ask them to give us confidence. We can reverse the tide, in fact, I’m sure that will happen», he guaranteed.
Regarding the choice of the future coach, Donnarumma was cautious: «It’s not up to me to talk about that, there will soon be federative elections and the new president will be the one to nominate the coach». Asked about a possible contact with Pep Guardiola, who left Manchester City, the player clarified: “I greeted him with affection, I don’t know what he will want to do, we don’t talk about it. I can only be grateful to you.” The chance of a foreign coach would not be a problem for the team, according to the captain.
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