Donnarumma: Every word Italy captain said on World Cup, Acerbi, Champions League and future | OneFootball

Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma admits he couldn’t fully enjoy his recent Champions League win with PSG and urges Italians to support the Azzurri: ‘We need to get to the World Cup together.’

Donnarumma spoke at a press conference at Coverciano on Wednesday. Football Italia was among the accredited media.

Coach Luciano Spalletti has limited options in defence, especially after Matteo Gabbia’s recent injury, so aren’t Italy concerned about fitness issues going into a crucial game against Norway on June 6?

“I wouldn’t say there’s worry,” said Donnarumma.

“There’s definitely tension because it’s an important match where we have to give everything to win. There’s a World Cup at stake. Everyone here understands the importance of this game. We’re ready. There’s a bit of an emergency situation, but we’ll find the right setup to go there and try to win.”

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 15: Marco Asensio of Aston Villa takes a shot whilst under pressure from Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park on April 15, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

CRITICISM – “We need to find balance, because after the loss against Germany, I read things I didn’t like. We lost against a great team, and both matches were balanced, even if we started the second leg poorly. I only read negative comments about the team after the game. We need balance because we are a young group, we always fight, we always give our all ,and we can still grow a lot. We’re already at a high level, and this team needs support because there are talented young players with a great future and a great coach. We’ll need your support and the support of all Italians to achieve great things.”

LUIS ENRIQUE – “He’s brought calm and balance. There’s a fantastic relationship with all the players, and he makes us feel important. The main thing is the sense of calm he transmits, even in the most important matches.”

BEST MOMENT OF HIS CAREER? – “That’s true, there were tough moments even when I came back to play here, morally very difficult ones. It’s not easy when you return to your country and you’re not welcomed as you deserve. Now I’m happy to have regained confidence, balance, and the right mentality. I’m happy to have the support of all Italians.”

MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

BARTHEZ SAID HE LOST WEIGHT? – “No, but I’ve always handled everything really well. I’m a professional in every aspect, and I’ve always taken care of my body, including training and everything else. For sure, over the years, I’ve grown in all areas, especially mentally. I think I’ve made progress there, and I’m happy about that because it helps me manage games better. That’s part of a player’s growth.”

MEETING INTER PLAYERS AFTER UCL FINAL – “I didn’t say anything. There was a heartfelt hug with my teammates after the match. I was very happy about it. The truth is that I struggled to fully enjoy the Champions League victory because on the other side, there were brothers I’ve always fought alongside. There was a beautiful embrace with them at the end of the game. Something truly special that meant a lot to me. We haven’t talked about it here, not even a single joke. The only thing we’ve focused on is the strength we need to bring into these two matches to give everything together.”

SET PIECES – “We’ve made some changes, but overall we need to stay calm. Every corner kick or free kick can’t be treated like a huge source of stress. In Dortmund, we adjusted a few things, and now we’ll see what to do against Norway. It’s a match that must be prepared well. We’ll work on how to handle these situations in the coming days. With the coach and the entire staff.”

HAALAND – “He’s one of the best strikers in the World, an incredible forward. We’ll have to give everything to stop him. I prepare for every match the same way, but there’s always a bit more tension when you are up against a striker like him. You definitely pay more attention when someone like that is on the other side.”

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy looks dejected after Jamal Musiala of Germany (obscured) 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)

WHAT HE BRINGS FROM PSG – “I try to bring the calmness and freedom I have when I play for PSG and the mentality of giving everything on the pitch. Matches are long nowadays, and there are five substitutions. You win and lose as a team.”

ACERBI – “Surely, it would have been helpful to have Ace here with us, but everyone is responsible for their own actions. Whoever comes here must give everything. Being part of the Italian national team is a responsibility. Since you were a child, you have always dreamed of wearing the Azzurri jersey. It’s an incredible honour and you have to give everything for the shirt.”

AGENT MEETING INTER – “I didn’t know he was at Inter. I feel good in Paris. Then it’s up to the club to decide whether to renew my contract or not. I’m ready for anything, but my first choice is Paris. I’ve found my balance, the fans and the team care about me, and I hope to stay here for many years.”

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Joshua Kimmich of Germany has a shot saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

FUTURE – “As I’ve already said, I’m not closing the door to anything, I’m enjoying the moment. Maybe, in a few years, things could change. Italy is definitely my home, and I do miss it a bit. Maybe one day I’ll come back, but for now I’m taking things day by day. I feel good, and everyone at PSG has confidence in me. I’m happy, right now, I’m just focused on what I’m doing and enjoying everything in Paris.”

MESSAGE FOR ITALY FANS – “We need to get to the World Cup together, and we need the fans’ support. If we go, we’ll go altogether. We’re a young team, we need to have confidence, and we have a great coach. We need continuous support. Even if not everyone can be with us in Norway, we know that all Italians are behind us, and the support of all the fans will be crucial.”

IMPROVEMENTS – “I’ve found balance in everything with Luis Enrique. He’s helped me a lot, especially on the mental side. I’ve found more composure through the games. I always try to stay connected with the team, follow the game and maintain communication with he defensive line. We have strong players who want the ball at their feet. There’s great movement and mobility. When you have the ball, you have more options. Beyond that, I’ve improved in every aspect thanks to the efforts and dedication I’ve put into every single training session. I have a great goalkeeping coach who helps me a lot. I’m in a good place, and I believe dedication is the key factor for long-term improvement.”