Donnarumma: Italy can definitely enter the World Cup; Manchester City makes me feel like home

Hupu, October 16th: Italian international goalkeeper Donnarumma accepted an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport today and talked about the prospects of the World Cup play-offs.

You missed a ball in the last game, but fortunately there were no serious consequences...

"Yes, you can't imagine how angry I was at the time..."

Italy has not entered the World Cup twice in a row.

"The third time won't happen, it can't happen: this national team will make it to the next World Cup, without a doubt."

Without a doubt? It seems that you are very confident...

"The lessons of the past are only meaningful when you truly learn them. We will not underestimate any opponent, we will not take it lightly, there is no point in doing so. And this team is full of affection for each other, and when the play-offs come, we will be ready for everything."

The time is not far away, the play-offs are about to begin in March.

"During this period, we have become more in-depth with the head coach's tactics, better digested his ideas, and turned his football thoughts into practical strength."

Leaving the topic of the national team for now, do you still like Serie A?

"Of course, I like it very much. I think Serie A is very interesting now, and as long as there is interest, there will be attention."

First it was Paris, and now it is Manchester. Your experience is almost unique.

"I am very lucky to have experienced such a different football reality: from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. And I have just arrived in England. From the perspective of a bystander, I can say that our football is not worse than other leagues at all."

But people often say that the spotlight of Serie A is brighter Not as good as the Premier League...

"In England, from the first minute of the game to the last minute, everyone is running hard. We are not exactly the same here, but that does not mean who is better. That's it, everyone has their own style."

Who will win the Serie A championship this season?

"There are four or five teams that have the strength to compete until the last minute. And because of this, Serie A becomes interesting again."

Which team are you most optimistic about eventually winning the championship?

"I like Milan, and their transformation makes me curious. They have Allegri, but it's not just because of him that they can become favorites."

In other words, Milan is expected to win the championship?

"Milan is an ambitious team. I've spoken to some people who know the environment in Milan and they firmly believe in the team's potential - and rightly so."

What about other teams?

"Inter Milan's strength is undoubted, it is a mature unit that continues to improve from recent experience; Naples has retained Conte, the Serie A champion coach, who brings energy and ability; Gasperini's new Roma has great potential; and Juventus cannot be ignored - this season will definitely be exciting."

How do you feel when you listen to Guardiola speak?

"Although I haven't been in Manchester City for a long time, I feel like home here. The club has a very firm attitude towards me and makes me feel valued. Now they regard me as one of their own."

What about Guardiola?

"When you listen to him speak you will be deeply attracted. I originally imagined him to be like this, but the reality is better than I imagined. I hope to stay in Manchester for a long time, it will be a unique experience."

Guardiola is fascinating, and Gattuso...

"Gattuso has a strong sense of presence. You can feel that he is behind you every moment of the game. He loves to communicate, talks a lot, and will explain everything to us. Soon he has allowed this team to regain a strong sense of collective identity."

Will he also lead you back to the World Cup?

"The word play-offs will not scare us or put a psychological burden on us."

In this national team, people often say that the team atmosphere is healthy, united, and positive. Is it true?

"I can say with certainty that this new Italian team is indeed healthy, beautiful and united. We get along well and have a tacit understanding with each other."