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

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.

Donnarumma has faith in Italy

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Players of Italy pose for a team photograph prior to 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)

“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.”

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluca Mancini of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal 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)

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

Gattuso has won all four games in charge of the Nazionale, where the team scored 16 goals and conceded five, but four of those were in last month’s bizarre 5-4 success over Israel.

“He has this incredible character, transmits his hunger, determination and way of seeing football. He has a strong rapport with us all, wants to attack and control the game, we’ve only just started working with him, so we can keep improving,” added Manchester City star Donnarumma.

“We are ready for November and then for the play-offs.”

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, interacts with Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy after the team’s victory in 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)

Italy had hoped to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, but started on completely the wrong foot with a 3-0 defeat in Norway under previous coach Luciano Spalletti.

Those who participated that day would love a time machine to go back and play it all over again.

“I was talking to the team earlier, you cannot get a game wrong now, or you end up straight in the play-offs. Naturally, I’d love to play that again, as we were like a different team, we were all over the place,” confessed Donnarumma.

“Now we have to look forward, as we have a big opportunity. I am sure this is a strong team and certain we will get to the World Cup.”

Even if Italy beat Norway next month and finish level on points, the goal difference is so immense that they cannot overtake them.

The draw for the play-offs will be made on November 21, with the first game scheduled in March 2026.