Gianluigi Donnarumma triggers a horror display by the French
Italy surprised in the Nations League match against France with a 3-1 victory, but the focus turned again to the Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City, whose unlucky pass and further errors dominated the game and sparked a debate about the goalkeeper position.
Errors by Donnarumma
Donnarumma played a pass directly into the feet of Michael Olise, who was grateful. Olise put France into the lead with the 1-0 goal, a first for the French national team. Opta therefore counted it as the 38th clear error in the career of Donnarumma that led to an own goal.
Seven of those errors occurred while Donnarumma was in goal for the Italian national team. In the 53rd minute he tried to stop a corner, but held onto the ball and surprised the non‑reacting Italian defence. The mis‑attempt created a dangerous chance for Rayan Cherki of Manchester City, the shot of Cherki from about 20 metres hit the post.
The scene caused outrage in Milan’s San Siro. Commentator Carsten Fuß expressed his amazement with the words: “What is going on with Donnarumma? As if he were the twelfth man for the French.” That made it the 38th error – of which 31 occurred in club competitions – and seven in the shirt of the Italian national team.
Victory of Italy and Consequences
Italy turned the deficit around and won the match 3-1, thanks to goals from Pio Esposito in the 26th and 75th minutes and Davide Frattesi in the 63rd minute. The team also missed a penalty, but the points lifted Italy to the top of the table ahead of France one day before the end of the season thanks to the head‑to‑head comparison.
Italy deprived of Zaniolo for its last two Nations League matches
Donnarumma noted that a debate about goalkeepers was already taking place in England. His unlucky performance fits into the recent weeks in which he has been below his best form. He was named the best goalkeeper in the world in 2021 and 2025.
In November, during a 3-2 victory of Manchester City over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, a pass went wrong for him because he missed Ridle Baku. Against his former club Paris Saint‑Germain he had shown about a month earlier two weak performances. At the end of October a ball slipped through his fingers against Aston Villa.
In the fan forums of Manchester City and in the English press a goalkeeper debate has ignited. Coach Enzo Maresca publicly admitted every error, but emphasized that there is no general problem with the goalkeeper position. He explained that Donnarumma has enough experience to handle the current situation.
After the blunder against Leipzig Maresca said: “It is not worrying.” He also pointed out that his successor of Pep Guardiola, Geronimo Rulli, could replace him. The 34‑year‑old coach has known his assigned role since the summer. Maresca emphasized that the starting eleven of Manchester City always consists of “Gigio + ten players.”