Donnarumma, the « pledge » of the Champions League

If he takes part in the clash between PSG and Manchester City, this Tuesday (9 p.m., on RMC Sport), Gianluigi Donnarumma (22) will play the first Champions League match of his career.

The question is not yet decided and will be formalized shortly before kick-off. But Gianluigi Donnarumma (22) could well participate in the clash between PSG and Manchester City, this Tuesday (9 p.m., on RMC Sport). Recruited free last summer after the end of his contract at AC Milan, the Italian goalkeeper must deal with stiff competition from Keylor Navas, indisputable holder of the post for two years in Paris.

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Since his arrival, « Gigio », hero of the last Euro won with Italy, has played only two Ligue 1 matches (against Clermont and Lyon). His low playing time worries Italy, which already anticipates a potential return to the country next summer if the situation continues. But according to L’Equipe, he could start this Tuesday against the English after being a substitute in Bruges (1-1). If so, then he will play the first game of his Champions League career. Donnarumma has been playing at the top level for a long time, however, since he became the youngest goalkeeper to play in a Serie A match at 16 years and 8 months in 2015 with AC Milan.

But he never knew the great European thrill with the Lombards. He left the club last summer, just as it had just qualified for the Champions League after second place in Serie A last season. In six years, the Italian international (36 caps) has played 251 games with Milan, including 22 in Europe. It was only in the Europa League with two eliminations in the round of 16 against English clubs as a reference course (in 2017-2018 against Arsenal, in 2021-2022 against Manchester United).

Navas has 61 games in C1

By way of comparison, Keylor Navas has 61 appearances in the Champions League (including 22 with PSG), which he has won three times (2016, 2017 and 2018). He discovered the ordeal late with Real Madrid (at almost 28 years old). On Monday, the Costa Rican started the training session with the outfielders as the keepers performed post-specific drills. He may still watch from afar – from the bench – his young competitor start in goal on Tuesday night.