Donnarumma: ‘Spalletti perfect for Italy, plan for 2026 World Cup’ | OneFootball

Gianluigi Donnarumma explains what he feels was missing from Italy’s EURO 2024 campaign, why Luciano Spalletti is the right man for the job and they want to ‘do very well’ at the 2026 World Cup.

The Azzurri struggled badly at the European Championship, where they were meant to be defending the title secured three years earlier, crashing out in the Round of 16 to Switzerland.

“I think we missed that positive energy that had been created in the previous Euros,” Donnarumma told Sport Mediaset.

“It’s disappointing, because we did and do have quality in the squad, so we certainly could’ve done better. The important thing is that we got back on track, now we’ve got to keep our heads on our shoulders, work hard and follow the coach.

“We’re doing an extraordinary job with the coach, so I think we’ll continue to do well in the near future.”

Donnarumma sees bright future for Italy

Italy-Israel huddle (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

They certainly look a different team in the Nations League, securing three victories and a 2-2 draw against Belgium when down to 10 men.

Spalletti has changed the tactics to a three-man defence and brought some stability to a squad that had to suddenly lose Roberto Mancini in August 2023.

“The coach really does know how to teach you about football, to prepare for games, and I am very happy to be working with him,” continued the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper.

“I think he is the perfect coach for our Nazionale and to help these young players to grow. He is the best person we could have there at this moment.”

Italy won more World Cup trophies than any other European nation with four, beaten only by Brazil with five, yet failed to qualify in both 2018 and 2022.

“Unfortunately, I was part of the squad in both those situations and I found it just as inexplicable as all Italians. Italy have to be at the World Cup. The only message I can send to the fans is that we’ll give our all not only to be there, but to do very well at the next World Cup,” concluded Donnarumma.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.