Gianluigi Donnarumma could ‘only apologise’ to Italy fans after the pathetic EURO 2024 exit to Switzerland, but was rebuffed by angry supporters in the stands.
The reigning Champions of Europe bowed out with a whimper in Germany, falling 2-0 to Switzerland with goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas.
Although the woodwork was rattled twice, that was down to a bizarre Fabian Schär header risking an own goal and when Gianluca Scamacca was probably offside.
“We can only apologise to everyone. It really hurts. We disappointed today and Switzerland deserved to win, so there’s nothing else to say,” Donnarumma told RAI Sport and Sky Sport Italia.
“We struggled throughout the match, other than at the end where they sat a bit deeper and we were able to take the initiative, but we really should’ve done it earlier.
“In the first half we lost the ball too easily, we left them too many spaces, we weren’t pressing properly. It was tough, it is a very difficult game to swallow, but this is how it went and we have to accept that.”
Donnarumma recognises Italy were lacking
Italy looked like they didn’t really believe from the start, their heads dropping even more after conceding the second goal within 27 seconds of the restart.
“We lacked a bit of everything today, we lacked courage and quality,” confessed Donnarumma.
“The first half performance was so bad, because they always had the initiative and hurt us. In the second half, we were meant to start strong, instead we conceded immediately and that made it even tougher.
“We were disappointing, we let people down, we have to accept that. Switzerland had too much time to think, we were not aggressive enough.
“We lacked the desire to react, to help each other out. We lacked everything today.”
Donnarumma saw in real time the response of the fans, because as captain he took the entire Italy squad under the section of supporters after the final whistle to salute them.
It did not get the effect he wanted, as they jeered and urged the players to go away.
“I don’t think we are the team that we saw today. It was enormously disappointing, we never got into the game, we made cheap mistakes. We give credit to Switzerland for a great performance, but we should’ve done much, much better.
“There are many talented young players in the side who need experience, so they can do well in the future. I realise it is tough to accept these words right now, but we have to look to the future.”
Donnarumma was probably their best player if it was not for him we would have gone home earlier in the tournament. Fire Spalletti. bring Carlo Ancellotti
Truly dreadful performance. No quality or abilty can be forgiven. But the lack of desire or fight is disrespectful to the thousands of fans whi went to the stadium. They paid 100s of Euros to see that. Che vergogna.
The senior team will never win any competition without a Milan player.
Milan is the pride of Italy.
Take this to the bank
Disappointed?! The whole team should feel utter shame with how they played tonight. I want Spalletti gone along with half the team. This was a disgraceful defense from the reigning champions.
Let’s also say that there are no talented Italian football players right now Last time they had chiellini and Bonucci at the back and these left a huge gap at the back which will take time to fill.The Italian spirit has completely vanished
Horrendous display. Gigio was a rock and our best player hands down. Spalletti is all talk and his team had so substance. Italian talent is a problem and will continue with all the foreign players in Seria A. Bring in Ancelotti and the young and hungry talent from U21 and below.
I agree with Milan 93 and Gigio is the only player who wanted to be on that field.All the others where a sad bunch.
My 10 year old football team could have played better. Shame.
Nice gesture from Gigio, he was definitely our best player throughout the tournament. If it weren’t for him we wouldn’t have made it to the knock outs and we would’ve conceded more goals bu far. Definitely agree we need more Italians playing in Serie A and develop the youngsters. Clubs have no faith in their youth players or Italians.
Never mind Ancellotti. Bring in Ranieri
Are these players professionals may l ask? Because in my opinion they looked like a village street boys footballers. What a disgrace 😤
I wonder if spalletti went to tha nearby playing field , and picked eleven guys to go and play the match???? I wouldn’t even call them AMATEURS, as an amateur could be a professional amateur by trying his best and not behave like a SITTING DUCK.