Advertisement
Associated Press
Remarkable

Teenager Donnarumma becomes youngest Italian to win senior call-up in over 100 years

The 17-year-old only made his AC Milan debut last October.

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA is continuing his remarkable ascent by receiving a call-up to the senior Italian squad.

In the process, the 17-year-old AC Milan goalkeeper has become the youngest player to do so since Rodolfo Gavinelli made his debut against France in 1911 aged just 16.

The Azzurri take on Les Bleus in a friendly on 1 September before beginning their World Cup qualification campaign four days later against Israel in Haifa.

Donnarumma was involved in Milan’s youth team when he was brought on the pre-season tour to China in the summer of 2015.

When the Rossoneri’s campaign started poorly, then-boss Sinisa Mihajlovic made a huge call and started the 16-year-old for the Milan derby. Diego Lopez, a Champions League and La Liga winner with Real Madrid, was dropped in favour of the unproven teen.

And from that point on, he’s never looked back.

Last March, he signed a three-year deal with the club and featured against Juventus in the 2016 Coppa Italia final.

He made 30 top-flight appearances in total last term and has begun this season brightly, saving a penalty in Milan’s 3-2 opening weekend victory over Torino.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

[button href=”https://www.snapchat.com/add/the42.ie” label=”Add us: the42.ie” icon=”url”

Mario Balotelli close to Anfield exit and return to Serie A

The Chinese football revolution has added yet another high-profile name

Your Voice
Readers Comments
3
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.