Since winning EURO 2020, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been considered the most classy and stable player in the Azzurri squad. Remember, PSG's goalkeeper is "Best Player of EURO 2020".
Although he was the first goalkeeper to win the award after former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel in 1992, Donnarumma has not received much attention. The star born in 1999 is always underrated despite her stable performance over the years.
From hero to toiter
Since Buffon retired from international football, Donnarumma has always been a reliable blocker in the Azzurri's goal. At EURO 2020, the goalkeeper born in 1999 showed impressive form when he only conceded 4 goals and blocked 3 penalties in the semi-finals and finals.
However, just 9 months after winning EURO 2020, Donnarumma has gone from being a hero to a "man of the hour" in the media. The 25-year-old goalkeeper was the focus of all criticism, when he was found guilty of conceding a goal in the play-off semi-final against North Macedonia, causing Italy to miss the 2022 World Cup.
To be honest, I dont understand why Donnarumma has been criticized so much. They just wait every time he makes mistakes to criticize and say insulting words, Buffon said.
Even as soon as Luciano Spalletti took charge of the Italian national team, there was a wave of calls for the 65-year-old strategist to eliminate Donnarumma to make way for Guglielmo Vicario.However, Spalletti responded by having Donnarumma captain, as a way to add support and confidence to the star.
Donnarumma has never been forgiven by fans.They always find a way to criticize him, just because he has achieved a lot quickly.However, they do not know that any of us always have to fight and work hard to achieve anything.
Therefore, it will be difficult if people around you always wait for mistakes to attack you. However, Donnarumma does not let the whistling whistles affect him, Spalletti said.
Disappointing season at PSG Ahead of EURO 2024, Donnarumma went through a disappointing 2023-2024 season when he often made mistakes for Paris Saint-Germain.
After a 1-3 defeat to Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League 2021-2022, the Italian goalkeeper's ability to handle the ball with his feet is still an inherent weakness.In the first leg of the 2023-2024 quarter-final, Donnarumma continued to make mistakes in all 3 goals conceded in PSG's 2-3 defeat to Barcelona.Donnarumma's performance was rated 2nd by Goal, the lowest on the pitch.
According to AS, those mistakes at the harm's price forced Donnarumma to see a psychologist to improve his concentration and confidence and no longer feel afraid when competing. Thanks to that, Donnarumma gradually regained his form and had a good performance in the remaining part of the tournament. According to statistics, he is second in the top 5 European championships in terms of goals conceded (11.53).
A fulcrum at EURO 2024
Doubts of a decline in form after the 2023-2024 season were quickly dispelled when Donnarumma showed his top performance at EURO 2024. According to statistics, Donnarumma had 8 saves, helping the Italian team only suffer a minimal defeat against Spain in the second match of the group stage.
In the 1-1 draw with Croatia, the Italian captain continued to make miraculous saves to help the home team qualify for the round of 16. According to WhoScored, Donnarumma had 3 saves, notably the penalty save against Luka Modric. Even the situation where Italy conceded a goal against Croatia was not entirely the fault of Donnarumma.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper's performance was rated 7.6 points by WhoScored - the highest on the pitch. After 3 matches at EURO 2024, Donnarumma is also the player who WhoScored scored the highest for the Italian team (7.15).
Ahead of EURO 2024, the Italian team is not highly appreciated for having an inexperienced squad and many key players due to injuries. However, Azzurri fans can still be confident about their team's journey to defend the title, when they have a solid support in goal like Donnarumma.
