Donnarumma Welcomes Mbappé's Absence Ahead of Italy-France Clash
As Italy prepares to face France in the Nations League on Sunday, November 17, 2024, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma expressed his relief at the absence of French star Kylian Mbappé. Speaking at a press conference, Donnarumma acknowledged that Mbappé, one of the best players in the world, would have posed a significant challenge for the Italian team. "If he had been there, he could have put us in difficulty," he stated, emphasizing the importance of Mbappé's absence for the upcoming match.
This match holds special significance for Donnarumma, who will be returning to San Siro, the stadium where he made his professional debut at the age of 15. Despite his past with AC Milan, where he faced a cold reception during his last match in 2023, he remains focused on the task at hand. Italy and France have both qualified for the quarter-finals of the Nations League, making this clash crucial for determining the top position in their group.
Donnarumma noted that while Mbappé's absence is felt, France still boasts a talented squad, including his Paris Saint-Germain teammates Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, and Warren Zaire-Emery. "Barcola is an incredible talent," he remarked, highlighting the depth of talent available to the French team despite the missing star.
Stakes High for Italy and France in Nations League
The upcoming match is particularly important for France, who suffered a 3-1 defeat to Italy in their previous encounter earlier this year. To secure the top spot in the group, the French team must win by at least two goals. Despite a recent draw against Israel (0-0), France has shown resilience, and Donnarumma is aware of the threats posed by the French forwards. He stated, "They have very strong substitutes who can bother us," indicating that Italy must remain vigilant against a potentially dangerous French attack.
As the match approaches, both teams are keen to assert their dominance in the Nations League, with Donnarumma's comments reflecting the competitive spirit and respect between the two sides.
