Why Donnarumma did not invite family to watch Man City Champions League debut | OneFootball

Italy national team captain Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to take part in his first Champions League match with his new club Manchester City when they host Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night, but the goalkeeper has recently revealed that he told his mother to ‘stay at home’ for his European debut. Here’s why.

Why Donnarumma told mother to ‘stay at home’ for Man City-Napoli

Donnarumma completed his €27m transfer to Manchester City at the very end of the summer transfer window, leaving PSG with less than a year on his contract remaining following their purchase of France international Lucas Chevalier.

After signing for Man City, Donnarumma immediately reported for national team duty with Italy, and then made his first journey over to the UK in mid-September.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates after Erling Haaland (not pictured) scored their sides second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Since then, he has made his competitive debut for Man City, starring and keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over rivals Manchester United in the Manchester Derby over the weekend. Now he is expected to earn his first Champions League start since signing for Man City when Napoli visit on Thursday.

Donnarumma, who grew up in Castellammare di Stabia, a commune in the metropolitan city of Naples, derives from a family of Napoli supporters.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

For that reason, he admitted that he told his mother to ‘stay at home’ for the Man City vs. Napoli clash on Thursday night.

“I hope my mother roots for me, I told her to stay at home,” Donnarumma said, reported via Corriere dello Sport.