Donnarumma reveals Italy teammate Tonali’s promise ahead of Newcastle vs. Manchester City | OneFootball

Gianluigi Donnarumma reveals Italy teammate Sandro Tonali’s pledge ahead of Newcastle vs. Manchester City. ‘I know he’d celebrate right in front of me if he scores, but he won’t manage.’

The pair face off on Sunday evening at St. James’ Park in the Premier League, having been two of the most impressive players in the competition so far this season.

They were only just together on international duty, but know each other well from their club days too as teammates at AC Milan.

Donnarumma and Tonali are old pals

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali of Italy arrive during an Italy Training Session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on September 05, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

When playing for the Azzurri in the recent World Cup qualifiers, did they talk about this upcoming match?

“We did joke around a bit,” confessed Donnarumma to Sky Sport Italia.

“We have an excellent rapport. I have some photos on my phone that always make me laugh, he takes them when I’m not around.”

Tonali would just love to score a goal for Newcastle United against Donnarumma, wouldn’t he?

“Oh I know, I know, but he won’t manage. I also know that if he scores, he’ll celebrate right in front of me,” replied the goalkeeper.

“We talked about this, but we’ve got a special relationship. It will be a very difficult game to play out there, they are a great team.”

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 01: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on October 01, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)

If Tonali were to find the net, it’d be his first goal of the season for Newcastle United after three assists in 15 competitive games.

Donnarumma made a late transfer to Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain and kept six clean sheets in 12 matches for the club.