Zenga warns Italy about North Macedonia and Donnarumma about PSG

Inter legend Walter Zenga believes Italy must not underestimate North Macedonia and believes Gigio Donnarumma should consider his future at PSG: ‘It’s not an ideal place.’

The former goalkeeper discussed Italy’s chances to qualify for the World Cup play-offs finals in an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport. The Azzurri will host North Macedonia at the Stadio Renzo Barbera tonight and could face Turkey or Portugal in the Final next week. Although Roberto Mancini’s men are the favourite tonight, Zenga believes tonight’s opponents should not be underestimated.

“Anything can happen, only the victory counts tonight and playing at home is not always decisive. Portugal lost a Euro Final at home and then won in France. Italy won in England last summer. In football, anything can happen in 90 minutes,” the 61-year-old said.

“North Macedonia are a young squad, but they’ve done something important in their history. Looking at their players and the leagues where they play, I would say that they can’t be underestimated. They have quality and a sense of belonging. They will give more than 100%.

However, Italy won the Euros and are in the playoffs because of two penalty kicks missed during the qualification group, not because we are a bad team. We proved our worth against England last summer and we must remember that tonight and hopefully in the Final. We have the experience and the quality to do well.”

Gigio Donnarumma is having highs and lows at PSG and the former Milan star hit the headlines two weeks ago with a mistake against Real Madrid which sparked the Merengues’ comeback in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Everybody forgets his super save on Benzema in the first half,” said Zenga.

“We became champions of Europe also thanks to him, but there is something else that must be considered. Gigio must decide his future because I don’t think that playing 50% of games is an ideal scenario for him.”

Donnarumma will start between the sticks for the Azzurri tonight, but most of Italy’s defence won’t be the same that won the Euros in the summer as Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Leonardo Bonucci are injured, while Giorgio Chiellini isn’t fully fit.

Zenga: «Meglio non avere contro uno come #Elmas. Conosco i macedoni: daranno più del 100%»

L’Uomo Ragno al Corsport. «Donnarumma? Contro il Real non è stato un errore da portiere, ma il frutto di una situazione di gioco. Aveva fatto una gran parata prima» https://t.co/bBYORkpI5t

— il Napolista (@napolista) March 24, 2022