Italy legends defend Donnarumma while fans want Vicario to start

Rome: Most Italy fans on social media are pushing for a change between Italy’s sticks, with Guglielmo Vicario replacing Gigio Donnarumma, but Italy legends, including Dino Zoff and Fabio Cannavaro, defend the PSG keeper.

Gigio is under pressure following Italy’s 1-1 draw against North Macedonia on Saturday. The ex-Milan keeper conceded the equaliser at the near post and was among the most disappointing Azzurri in Skopje.

Fans on social media have criticised Donnarumma, urging Spalletti to start Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario instead.

An article published in Monday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport also puts pressure on the ex-Milan star, saying that Donnarumma’s development seems to have stopped since joining PSG in 2021.

Journalist Andrea Masala wrote that Gigio should “not relax” and “demand more from himself before it’s too late.”

Some Italy legends interviewed by Gazzetta defended Donnarumma on the eve of Tuesday’s game against Ukraine.

“It’s normal to have highs and lows. Maybe somebody has forgotten what he did against England and Spain at the Euros,” said 1982 World Cup winner Dino Zoff.

“I’ll say it clearly, Donnarumma is not in crisis and will become stronger with time.”

Another 1982 World Cup winner, Beppe Bergomi, shared the same view: “When a player is targeted, I tend to defend him,” said the ex-defender.

“Us Italians are good. We always show his errors, even in the French league, but we never show it when he produces a super save. He made three extraordinary saves against Lyon.

“He must be helped,” he continued, “And I recognised the strength of this guy.”

Italy’s 2006 captain Fabio Cannavaro also defended Donnarumma in an interview with Radio Anch’Io lo Sport on Monday morning.

“Donnarumma is the regular starter of the national team. It’s true that he is struggling now, but do not forget he helped us win the Euros,” insisted the ex-Azzurri captain.