New Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had a difficult day at the office when he conceded four goals in Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Israel on Monday night.
Israel led 1-0 and 2-1 in Debrecen, but Italy bounced back to lead 4-2 going into the latter stages of the game.
However, the designated home side netted twice more to claw their way back to 4-4 going into injury time.
In the end, Sandro Tonali had the final say with a 91st-minute winner to secure a remarkable victory for the Italians.
While news of a new goalkeeper conceding four to a team ranked 75th in the world may be concerning at first glance, Manchester City fans shouldn’t be all that worried.
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Dan Biton and Gianluigi Donnarumma in action during Israel v Italy
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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Gianluigi Donnarumma could do little about all four goals
Obviously the record books will have Gianluigi Donnarumma down as having conceded four goals against Israel, but the reality is he couldn’t do much against any of them.
The first goal Italy conceded came from Manuel Locatelli, who diverted the ball into his own net after Donnarumma had come out to close down an opponent to his left.
Israel’s second was a fierce top-corner shot by Dor Peretz from well inside the box, which Donnarumma nearly got a hand to.
If Italy’s first goal was somewhat comical, the second was outright farcical – Alessandro Bastoni walloped the ball into his own net while trying to clear.
And then came the fourth, Peretz heading home from point-blank range after Donnarumma had once again committed to guarding his left flank.
Admittedly, Donnarumma did make a mistake early on when he put Manor Solomon’s corner into his own net, but the referee spared his blushes.
The Man City newcomer also did a lot of good things, pulling off smart saves against Solomon, Peretz and Tai Baribo.
All in all, there shouldn’t be much to concern City fans about Donnarumma’s performance.
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What Gianluigi Donnarumma’s stats vs Israel say
The stats from Italy’s win over Israel suggest that Donnarumma did well for the most part, but Italy’s back line was just too leaky.
GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA STATS VS ISRAEL
SAVES 4
DIVING SAVES 3
HIGH CLAIMS 0
ACCURATE PASSES 23/29 (79%)
ACCURATE LONG BALLS 6/11 (55%)
ACTED AS SWEEPER 0
Pep Guardiola’s brand-new goalkeeper made four saves, while misplacing just six out of his 29 passes and completing six out of his 11 attempted long balls.
And while Donnarumma’s quality in possession has been doubted, he appears to be comfortable on the ball, echoing what Joe Hart said about Donnarumma.
The only small cause for concern was that he didn’t venture out to sweep up at any point in the match.