Donnarumma discusses Lammens' future ahead of Italy‑Belgium clash

On the eve of the Italy‑Belgium match, Gianluigi Donnarumma appeared before the press at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where he discussed the trauma of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff elimination and agreed to talk about Sen Senne Lammens, goalkeeper of Manchester United.

The Italian goalkeeper has been regarded as one of the best in the world for many years. He made his debut at sixteen with AC Milan, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in Serie A history.

Now twenty‑seven years old, Donnarumma plays for Manchester City and has never taken part in a World Cup. Italy missed qualification three times, in 2018, 2022 and 2026.

The trauma of elimination

Despite the Euro 2021 victory, where he played a major role, the pain of failure remains. “No, we haven’t talked about it, at least not for very long, with the squad. It still hurts too much,” the goalkeeper admitted on Thursday.

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He added that the past months have been very difficult and that he finds it hard to talk about it. “We must move forward and start a new cycle with Roberto Mancini, whom I am very happy to have here as manager,” he said.

Lammens, Manchester United rival

Donnarumma noted that the Belgium fixture is the first match since the painful elimination in Zenica. He answered the Belgian question about Sen Senne Lammens, who is expected to start at the Stadio Olimpico.

“He is a grandissimo goalkeeper,” said the 1 m 96 Italian giant. “He is still very young but has already shown great things and I am convinced he will go very far. We hope it won’t be the case this Friday but he will achieve great things,” Donnarumma smiled.

Italy’s risky Rome debut against Belgium sparks doubts over Mancini’s revival

The match will be broadcast live at twenty‑four‑five on .be. The evening will also be marked by the big debut of Van Bommel, commented live.