Bonucci sends supportive message to Donnarumma ahead of Italy-Ukraine

Leonardo Bonucci sent a social media message to Gigio Donnarumma ahead of tonight’s game against Ukraine: ‘Always with your head held high, brother.’

Fans and media blamed Donnarumma following Italy’s 1-1 draw against North Macedonia this past Saturday as the 24-year-old keeper conceded a late equaliser at the near post.

Several Italian legends, including Fabio Cannavaro and Dino Zoff, have defended Gigio and the same did Italy CT Luciano Spalletti at a pre-match press conference on Monday, adding that Donnarumma would start against Ukraine.

Bonucci also stood up for his former Milan teammate with an Instagram message.

The Union Berlin centre-back posted a picture of him and Donnarumma during a game with Italy, writing: “Always with you brother, always with your head held high.”

Donnarumma may be under even more pressure tonight as he returns to San Siro, where Milan fans booed him the last time he played for the Azzurri in a Nations League semi-final against Spain in 2021.