Axel Allag, Media365, published on Friday June 28, 2024 at 9:57 p.m.
On the eve of the start of the Euro 2020 round of 16 against Switzerland (Saturday, 6pm), Gianluigi Donnarumma stressed that Italy would have to make progress if they wanted to overcome this obstacle.
Unconvincing in the group stage, Italy went through the back door in the 8th finals. The title holder, it is certain, will not have an easy match against a Swiss team that largely shook up Germany in its group (1-1 with a German equalizer in the 92nd minute). Best player of his selection, and by far, the captain Gianluigi Donnarumma appeared at a press conference aware of the limits of his team.We know we have to improve some things, things we did poorly in the group stage. “We will have to make as few mistakes as possible, manage the ball differently, and we have trained very well at this level,” he explained, insisting on the need to concede fewer chances, he who has made 12 saves in 3 matches.
Italy should “not give a gift” to Switzerland
“Confident” of Italy’s progress since the start of the tournament, he stressed that Saturday’s match would be different to those against Albania, Spain or Croatia.It will be very different, it’s double or nothing. You will have to not give gifts and direct the game“, he warned, certain of the quality of his opponent. “They are a team that presses, that wants to take the ball from you quickly to leave quickly, they are a very physical team that almost beat Germany. So we have to try things, sometimes come out from behind, sometimes extend on the attacker, we will be able to do different things”, judged the goalkeeper of the Nazionale in comments reported by L’Equipe. A Donnarumma even more mature than 3 years ago, when he shone at Euro 2021.
The Nazionale goalkeeper, strengthened by his experience at PSG, assured his “indescribable emotion” to wear the Italy jersey with the armband on the arm.
