On the roof of Europe at just 22 years old. Gigio Donnarumma was decisive for the final victory of Italy at the 2020 European Football Championships. Elected player of the tournament, put his big hands in the penalty lottery in the semifinals against Spain and in the final against England. Coldness, instinct and great qualities, characteristics that have allowed him from a very young age to forge ahead in his career.
Donnarumma, the 14-year-old arrival at Milan
Born in Castellammare di Stabia, he is the youngest son of Marinella and Alfonso. The elder brother Antonio, born on 7 July 1990, is also a goalkeeper with a decent career in Italy (also discovered by Milan). The sister, on the other hand, is called Nunzia and is 28 years old. The name of Gigio Donnarumma is inextricably linked to Milan, the team that made him debut in Serie A. In 2013 he was taken at the fourteen-year-old from the Rossoneri team and always started playing with older boys.
The debut in Serie A and the climb
After only two years he reaches the first team. In the 2015/2016 season he starts as the third goalkeeper behind Diego Lopez and Christian Abbiati but immediately gains the trust of coach Mihajlovic. On 25 October 2015 Donnarumma made his Serie A debut at 16 years and 8 months in the Milan-Sassuolo match. On the episode the goalkeeper said: "The coach said it the day before, I was excited and tense, but it was great. He asked me if I was afraid to play, I said no".
It takes little to establish himself and push the press and fans to identify him as the heir of Gianluigi Buffon, world champion with Italy in 2006. In the same season he was called up for the first time in the senior national team until you become the owner. With Milan he reached 200 in the league in February 2021, a record that came in the season of the Rossoneri's rebirth ended with second place and the return to the Champions League.
Europeans and the future abroad
Shortly before the start of the 2020 European Championships, the his farewell to Milan. Donnarumma has chosen to change clubs and accept the offer from Paris Saint Germain, refusing the renewal with the AC Milan club. A sensational choice considering the bond with the team and the history built over the years. His decision has attracted criticism and controversy from fans who have not forgiven him goodbye.
The grudge was swept away by the incredible tournament played with the Italy shirt. A growing performance that found its highest point in the final when he neutralized two penalties that were decisive for the victory. Only 24 hours after the victory he admitted: "After saving Saka's penalty I didn't cheer because I didn't understand: we had already won but I didn't realize it".
Donnarumma the victory on penalties is not a novelty. In his career he has faced the lottery of penalties five times, winning all the games. A natural talent that now he dreams of the Golden Ball. After winning the European Championship best player award, nothing is impossible.
Photo source in evidence: twitter Gianluigi Donnarumma @ gigiodonna1
