Donnarumma blasts ‘unacceptable’ Italy 4-1 loss to Norway

Gianluigi Donnarumma concedes that Italy ‘stopped playing in the second half’ and it is ‘unacceptable that we totally lose confidence’ in the 4-1 defeat to Norway.

The Azzurri knew that snatching first place in Group I was practically impossible, as it would’ve required a 9-0 win to make up the massive gap in goal difference.

Francesco Pio Esposito had opened the scoring in a strong first half, but Norway came flying back to win 4-1 at San Siro with Antonio Nusa, an Erling Haaland brace in the space of two minutes, and Jorgen Strand Larsen in stoppages.

“We shouldn’t have conceded the third goal, the fourth was at the 93rd minute, but the big problem was that we stopped playing in the second half,” Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia and RAI Sport.

“It was a totally different match in the first half, we never let them out of their own half. We’ve got to do that for 95 minutes rather than 45, that is for sure.

“It’s a painful defeat, but we’ve got to lift our heads up, because it is all at stake in March with those two games. We must rediscover our confidence and self-belief, and I am sure thanks also to our coach that we will do it.”

Gennaro Gattuso and Manuel Locatelli both used the same word to describe Italy’s mentality, which was ‘fragile.’ What is causing this weakness of character?

“I don’t know, it’s a question we ask ourselves,” replied Donnarumma.

“A chance can happen against a great side like Norway, but it is not possible that you just fall apart, totally lose confidence, totally lose control of the game. That is not acceptable.

“We certainly need to improve in that, listen to the coach, keep working, and when we concede a goal, we’ve got to keep our heads in the game. Against a team like Norway, you can have 5-10 minutes under pressure, but we’ve got to do it together as a team and get through it.”

Does the captain have a message for the Azzurri fans after this humiliating setback?

“I am upset and disappointed, just like I’m sure they are. We apologise to the supporters, because there were so many tonight showing their passion. All I can say is that we need them in March, to stay together and experience the game as one, because the fans are too important for us,” concluded Donnarumma.

“These were two completely different halves tonight and we cannot allow that.”

They will now prepare for the draw on Thursday November 20 to see who they’ll play in the World Cup play-offs, with the semi-final on March 26 and final on March 31.