Gianluigi Donnarumma, goalkeeper and captain of the Italian national team, spoke at a press conference on the eve of Italy-Albania. These are his words reported by TuttoMercatoWeb:
Three years ago you were the protagonist of a European Championship that you won. With what spirit will you face the debut race tomorrow? Do you feel like a leader?
“The spirit is there, when you face a competition like this the energy comes naturally to you, the spirit will be that of three years ago and we will try to retrace those magical nights. I try to give everything, to advise the team on what it was three years ago but the team is already ready, they won’t need my advice. Those who were there three years ago will give the new ones the instructions to get to the end.”
Is the one against Albania the most difficult match to make your debut?
“It is certainly the most insidious challenge. We have a difficult group and in tomorrow’s match there are many pitfalls, they are good and quick, they play a good game and therefore tomorrow we cannot play at 70-80%, but at 100% Then we think race after race, tomorrow’s will be very important to take a step forward in the group.”
What team is Albania?
“Quick and quick, we’ve already seen some of their videos and they have very strong individualities. We have to be careful not to overextend ourselves, they have good speed on the counterattack, we need to stay united and have a very compact team group. The match can be won on the spot first minute or last minute, it will be important to have balance and not overextend ourselves.”
What are the rules you must follow on retired videogames? Has there been any impact?
“No, absolutely no impact. The important thing is to have balance there too: when you’re in the room you use your games, but it’s important not to be late at night. After dinner we’re all together in the games room, we spend some time there and we have fun there. We’ve created a really good group, the coach has given us some guidance and advice but no serious rules.”
Compared to three years ago there are no Bonucci and Chiellini and you are the captain. How much has it changed for you?
No, it doesn’t change for me. Definitely an added responsibility, but absolutely nothing changes, there are various leaders in this group and I will make myself heard too. That’s my weight, I try to give my best: the last European Championship was fantastic, they were unforgettable experiences, but now we’re trying to write another page of history for Italy.”
Do you prefer a three or four defense?
“The important thing is not the formation but how everyone interprets the role, but as a goalkeeper it’s the same. It’s important to have a compact, cohesive team that attacks and defends together. For me it doesn’t change. Then it’s normal that every team has its own module, the opponents will play differently and the coach will be very good at adapting to every situation, but the boys available know all the situations.”
Do you know that tomorrow it is mandatory to win?
“If you win tomorrow you put an important brick on qualification, the first match is always important. We have a difficult group and winning tomorrow would put us in a different position: without points tomorrow we then have to have greater responsibility in the following two matches. Having said that, our The objective is to score points and win all three matches.”
What does having Buffon here mean for your team?
“Certainly having Buffon here who made history in 2006 helps us a lot. Normally having his presence is important, Gigi leaves you a lot, but hearing him talk about it and give advice is even better. He can give us advice on that summer that became history, but surely then we take to the field and we have to fight.”
Who will be your delegate in the middle of the pitch to talk to the referee?
“When there are situations near my area I will be there to talk to the referees, then before the match we will decide who in case will go and talk to the referee in situations far from my penalty area: it could be Jorginho or Barella… We will organize ourselves like this.”
Do you always work with a mental coach?
“Yes, it’s very important and I recommend it to everyone. It helps you stay balanced, not to get caught up in emotions in such an important competition because emotions and ambitions are high. It’s important to have your head and not lose clarity on this we’re always working.”
How do you see Scamacca? Have we solved the center forward problem?
“Gianluca is a great striker who has made giant strides in the last period, I’ve watched every single match and he’s done incredible things. He can make the difference in every situation and it’s important to have a point of reference going forward, a point of support We are happy to have him and then alternatively we have Retegui and Raspadori, who have different qualities but can still give us a great hand.”
