Donnarumma: ‘Certain Italy will get to the 2026 World Cup’

Gianluigi Donnarumma admits he would ‘love’ to go back in time and play the defeat to Norway again, but Italy must look forward. ‘I am certain we will get to the World Cup.’

The Azzurri secured their play-off spot with a 3-0 win over Israel at the Stadio Friuli, thanks to a brace from Mateo Retegui and the late Gianluca Mancini effort on a corner kick routine.

Donnarumma had fumbled a simple cross during last week’s 3-1 victory over Estonia in Tallinn, but this evening reminded everyone why he is considered the best goalkeeper in the world with two big saves on Israeli counter-attacks.

“Mistakes can happen, it’s part of the game, fortunately we were 3-0 up when it happened,” Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia.

“I did well to forget it straight away, also thanks to my teammates and the coach. I was fully concentrated on this match, I’m happy with the work done by the team. Every match is complicated now, so you do need to suffer for every point, and Israel caused us problems. We were very determined to keep a clean sheet and that pleases me.

“I saw a good team, real determination from those who came off the bench too. I’m very happy with the work the coach is doing, he has a rapport with everyone, whether they are in the starting XI or not, and that is very important.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Italy 3-0 Israel