Mancini hails ‘world’s best’ Donnarumma after Italy hold France

Roberto Mancini praised Gianluigi Donnarumma after Italy drew 1-1 with France, describing the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper as the best in the world for his decisive saves during the difficult moments of the match.

Mancini was satisfied with Italy’s performance and said the game demonstrated the team’s growing collective character. Despite a challenging opening period, he believed his players defended and attacked together as a unit.

“It was a very positive evening,” Mancini told French website Foot Mercato. “We knew the match would be difficult, but we managed to concede few goals and create good chances.”

Italy struggled during the opening 20 minutes, but Mancini said the team needed to learn how to respond collectively when faced with that kind of pressure.

“We suffered during the first 20 minutes, but we have to know how to deal with these difficulties together,” he said. “We tried to play even though it was not easy, and we went on to the pitch to score, which is a great thing.

“Both teams could have won in the end. That is football. Results change opinions.”

The Italy manager reserved particular praise for Donnarumma, who he said had produced the interventions his side needed when France threatened.

“Donnarumma is the best goalkeeper in the world because when he is asked to save a shot, he does it,” Mancini said. “He saved us when it mattered.”

Mancini also said Italy had the potential to develop into an excellent national team, although he stressed that progress would take time.

“This team can become an excellent national side, but it will take some time,” he said. “We are progressing well.”

He added that Italy’s confidence had grown after the second half of their match against Belgium, while acknowledging that the team still had to recognise when defensive discipline was required.

“After the second half against Belgium, we gained confidence, although we knew that we had to defend when necessary,” Mancini said.