Donnarumma: ‘I’m happy Mancini back for Italy, not easy in Manchester’

Donnarumma: ‘I’m happy Mancini back for Italy, not easy in Manchester’ Gianluigi Donnarumma explains his message welcoming the return of Italy coach Roberto Mancini and looks forward to a Manchester Derby with Senne Lammens of Belgium. ‘I am happy.’ It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST). The Nations League Group A is completed by France and Vincenzo Montella’s Turkiye. UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) When Mancini was announced as the new coach of the Nazionale, returning after his controversial departure in 2023, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò revealed that Donnarumma had sent him a message. “President, thank you, this is exactly what the squad and I wanted.” As he sat down for today’s press conference, the Italy captain was asked about that text. “The message with the President was a private matter,” replied Donnarumma. “With all due respect for the other coaches close to the Nazionale, I congratulated the President because we already have a bond of great affection with Mancini, for what we experienced together and what we won. So yes, I am happy.” Donnarumma seeking Italy revival BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy celebrates his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The goalkeeper was part of that squad that won the EURO 2020 trophy, at the time he played for Paris Saint-Germain, and is now at Manchester City. “I am so proud to represent the Nazionale, even more so since I started playing abroad, because I do really miss Italy and have the passion to come back and represent my country in the most important tournaments.” It is a clash made in Manchester tomorrow, because while Donnarumma plays for City, his rival Senne Lammens represents Belgium and Manchester United. “He is a great goalkeeper and it’s not easy to do well at Manchester United. I am sure he’ll have a great future ahead of him, I did meet him, he’s an intelligent guy and I hope he keeps getting better, although only after tomorrow’s match.” MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester City and Sunderland at Etihad Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) That triumphant march towards the European Championship started at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, and they return to the Capital tomorrow. “It is always exciting to be back here, we had some wonderful moments in this stadium. I learned from every coach I worked with, every member of staff, and I will never stop learning,” continued Donnarumma. DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy looks dejected after Tim Kleindienst of Germany (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) Has the return of Mancini changed something in the spirit of the Italy squad? “The spirit should always be there, regardless of the coach, because we represent our country. Every coach has different tactical ideas, and we are working with Mancini on certain aspects. “I hope we can achieve some of the results we had in the past with him. We made history at the Euros and hope to repeat that.”