Udine, Italy – October 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy watches the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Ruzzani/Getty Images)
Gianluigi Donnarumma admits he would “happy” to go back and repeat the defeat to Norway, but Italy must move on. “We are confident that we can qualify for the World Cup.”
The Azzurri qualified for the play-offs with a 3-0 victory over Israel at the Stadio Friuli, thanks to two goals from Matteo Letegui and a corner kick goal from the late Gianluca Mancini.
Donnarumma fumbled a simple cross in last week’s 3-1 win over Estonia in Tallinn, but on this night he reminded everyone why he is considered the best goalkeeper in the world as he made two big saves to thwart Israel’s comeback.
Donnarumma trusts Italy
“Mistakes can happen, that’s part of the game. Fortunately, we were 3-0 up when the mistake happened,” Donnarumma told Sky Sports Italia.
“Thanks to my teammates and the coach, I was able to forget it quickly. I was completely focused on this match. I am happy with the team’s work. Every match is complicated now, so you have to suffer to get every point, but Israel caused us problems. We were very determined to keep a clean sheet, and that pleases me.”
“I saw a good team. I also saw real determination from the players off the bench. I’m very happy with the manager’s job. He builds trust with everyone, whether they’re in the starting XI or not. That’s very important.”
Italy 3-0 Israeli football Check out Italian player ratings
Gattuso has won all four games in charge of the Nazionale, with the team scoring 16 goals and conceding five, four of which came in last month’s bizarre 5-4 win over Israel.
Manchester City star Donnarumma added: “He has great character and conveys his hunger, determination and way of looking at football. He has a strong rapport with all of us and wants to attack and control the game. We are only just starting to work with him so we can continue to improve.”
“We’ll be ready for November and then for the playoffs.”
Italy had hoped to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, but got off to a completely false start with a 3-0 loss to Norway under former coach Luciano Spalletti.
Those who attended that day will love going back in the time machine and playing it again.
“I was talking to the team earlier that we have to make sure we don’t make any mistakes in the game or we’ll go straight to the play-offs. Of course we want to play again. We’re like a different team and we’ve been on a roll the whole time,” confessed Donnarumma.
“We have a big chance, so now we have to look forward. I’m sure this team is a strong team and I’m sure we can qualify for the World Cup.”
Even if Italy defeats Norway next month and are tied on points, they will not be able to catch up as the goal difference is so large.
The playoff draw will be held on November 21st, with the first game scheduled for March 2026.
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