Gianluigi Donnarumma reflects on Italy’s victory over Turkey and looks forward to Switzerland
Italy have not conceded in the last nine matches, and Turkey can not put a glove on them on Friday – they did not manage a single shot on goal when the Azzurri won 3-0. Still, it was a moment during the first half, with the match still goalless, that crescent stars threatened. Gianluigi Donnarumma was the scorer. It’s a goalkeeper in a big team: you will not be called much, but when you are, you must be ready.
Italy is in safe hands. Still only 22, ‘Gigio’ has already collected 27 international caps for Italy since making his debut in September 2016 and replacing a certain Gianluigi Buffon in a friendly against France. He has since recorded 16 clean sheets and, remarkably, has never conceded more than one goal in a game for his country.
As Azzurri prepared for his second match of the tournament against Switzerland on Wednesday, he sat down to share his thoughts.
At Italy’s EURO opener
It was important to win well. We had a great game, but we can not be fooled. We must continue to work, continue to prepare. It was a great atmosphere in Rome – it makes you realize how much we have missed the crowds. We hope this is just the beginning.
Representing Italy means so much to us; we are proud to do so. We will honor the shirt to the end. Our full-time celebrations were reserved – we have not achieved anything yet. We won and played well in what was an important game, but now we have to continue – against Switzerland, another extremely important game.
On team spirit and honorary snow politicians
Yes, we all have an excellent relationship. We are a good group, we get along well with each other, and that can only be good. It is important for us to move forward; it keeps us calm and plays well together. It can even be the most important thing.
We [Donnarumma, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne] has taught the Neapolitan dialect to all our teammates. Now everyone speaks Neapolitan. We Neapolitans give the team joy. The group are all nice guys who love to joke. We go well together.
On Italy’s drive of 875 minutes without giving up
Our goal is always to keep sheets clean – we know we can always snap one at the other end. We have done well defensively and we will try to keep it that way. Not giving in to so many matches is a source of pride, but the team and winning matches come first.
I’m very happy with how we play. We stay focused until the last whistle. That is the strength of this group, with a focus on 90-95 minutes. Everyone saw it against Turkey. We have to keep at it and keep the same desire in our next matches.
On representing Italy
Every time I wear the Azzurri shirt … it’s indescribable. I hope to be able to wear it for a long, long time. I’m fully aware that goalkeepers before me made history, but I do not feel any pressure. I’m just proud to follow in their footsteps. Buffon’s registry gives you lots of motivation. It will not be easy, but I will try to beat them.
On Wednesday’s opponent Switzerland
They are a fantastic team that plays good football. They are also quite offensive, so we have to be careful for 90 minutes. We hope to have a good match and get a good result. We must keep the same focus as we did against Turkey. Maybe even more.
