Gigio Donnarumma, the warning: "There cannot be a third World Cup without Italy"

Gigio Donnarumma does not accept the’idea that Italy will miss the World Cup even in 2026. He stated this without mincing words in a lengthy interview for ‘L’Equipe’ in which he also returned to address the delicate topic of his farewell to PSG to move to Manchester City over the summer. Much of his current attentions, however, go to the national team of Gennaro Gattuso.

“After two World Cups without Italy, those of 2018 and 2022, there cannot be a third in a row. Italy in 2026 has to be there, and I will give all of myself to achieve this goal – promised Donnarumma -. We have to be there. Because a World Cup without Italy is not a real World Cup”.

Donnarumma, however, said he believes in the chances of the current national team. “I am sure that thanks to the work of coach Gattuso, his help and that of all his staff, together with the whole team we will be able to bring Italy back to the place it deserves within world soccer. I hope so with all my heart. And I hope it for all Italians, who deserve it and to whom we want to give this satisfaction”, added the Azzurri captain.

So, returning to his farewell to PSG, Donnarumma explained to ‘L’Equipe’: “I left a letter to all my teammates to thank them for the journey we had together. It was written in many languages so that everyone could understand. I felt like doing that, I wanted to convey a message to each of them. I cannot say what it was, these are personal matters that concern the team. But they were sincere words, and words of love for all my teammates”.