Donnarumma settles in as City enter new era
Gianluigi Donnarumma is in his second season at Manchester City, and the Italy captain is embracing the challenge under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The 27-year-old, approaching 500 senior appearances, has already amassed 14 major club honours plus a European Championship. Yet it is the fresh start at the Etihad that has him talking.
Speaking to the club's official website, Donnarumma touched on a range of subjects, from his new manager to his life away from football. Maresca, who brought a winning pedigree from his time at Chelsea, made an immediate impression. "He beat me 3-0 at the Club World Cup when he was Chelsea manager and I was the PSG goalkeeper," Donnarumma recalled with a wry smile.
He beat me 3-0 at the Club World Cup when he was Chelsea manager and I was the PSG goalkeeper.
That memory aside, the goalkeeper is clearly enjoying working under Maresca, who has already tasted success at City. The new head coach's arrival marks a new chapter for the Blues, and Donnarumma is determined to be part of it.
Life in Manchester has been kind to the Donnarumma family. He married his partner Alessia in the picturesque Italian town of Locorotondo, with a guest list that included Roberto Mancini, Kylian Mbappe, and City team-mate Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker even took a turn banging the drum on a Viking Row after the vows. Having previously called Milan and Paris home, Donnarumma, Alessia, and baby son Leo have settled seamlessly into their new surroundings.
On the pitch, City's campaign began with a commanding 0-2 win away at FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Donnarumma's first season in England ended with City falling short of Arsenal in the Premier League title race, but the new term offers a chance to go one better.
Next up is a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon for the first Manchester derby of the season. For Donnarumma, it is another opportunity to show why he remains one of the most decorated goalkeepers in the game.