Former Italy international Walter Zenga feels Gigio Donnarumma still has room for improvement but admits the Azzurri’s goal looks ‘smaller’ with the PSG star between the sticks.
Donnarumma has been by far the most consistent Italy player at EURO 2024 and was praised by La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday.
The pink paper also interviewed ex-Italy goalkeeper Zenga, who spoke very highly of Gigio and Italy’s next opponent, Inter’s Swiss keeper Yann Sommer.
“Sommer may not be spectacular, but he’s efficient. He’s always there,” said Zenga.
“He doesn’t have the same structure as Donnarumma, but it’s not a limit. On the contrary, it allows him to do certain things better. Then, of course, when you face Gigo, you may think: ‘Why is the goal smaller?’ Sommer has reached his peak. I don’t think he’ll improve much, but all the coaches like him because he’s consistent.
Zenga: Italy’s goal looks ‘smaller’ with to Donnarumma
“Donnarumma has constantly been exposed to judgements because of his career,” continued Zenga.
“A Milan wonderkid and a young Italy international who left the country to join PSG for free. Sommer’s career has been more quiet and linear.”
Many fans didn’t even want Donnarumma to be Italy’s starter at the European Championship.
“He was criticised before the Euros, and now he’s the country’s saviour,” noted Zenga.
“But he’s always very balanced. He has 65 international caps, and you reach the same appearances as a 34-year-old keeper with club games, but he’s 25.”
Is Gigio among the best keepers in the world?
“We’d need a more complete vision of South American football, but if we look at the Euros, I’d certainly say so. If we look at the rest of the season, I am not sure.
“Surely, he has room for improvement in his sense of position, especially when facing certain crosses.”
What if Switzerland vs Italy goes to penalty?
Donnarumma’s penalty kick saves inspired Italy’s EURO 2020 win and helped La Nazionale secure a draw with Croatia on Monday. So, will the Azzurri have an advantage if it goes to penalties against Switzerland?
“Sommer isn’t bad either,” Zenga replied, “but Italy can certainly have a psychological advantage because whoever takes the penalty kick for Switzerland will think, ‘Where do I kick now?’