PSG leaves him out for refusing to renew: the future is uncertain for Italy’s top goalkeeper just weeks before World Cup qualifiers. Gattuso defends him, but time is running out.
Modern football thrives on symbols and decisions that sometimes seem to ignore recent history. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the best goalkeeper of the last Champions League, Euro 2021 hero, and cornerstone of the Italian national team, now finds himself in a paradoxical situation: frozen out at Paris Saint-Germain, his contract expiring in June 2026, simply because he didn’t accept the renewal offer. The French club has decided to bet on Lucas Chevalier, Maignan’s backup for France, and move on from the Azzurri’s No. 1 — much like they did in the past with Mbappé.
From a technical standpoint, the official explanation points to tactical needs: Luis Enrique wants a “total” goalkeeper, heavily involved in building play from the back, and sees Chevalier as more suited to that role. But the contractual context can’t be ignored: Donnarumma’s hefty salary (€12.7 million gross) and the lack of agreement on a renewal accelerated the split. For PSG, it’s about starting a new cycle right away; for Donnarumma, the future has suddenly become a puzzle.
The news has infuriated Rino Gattuso, Italy’s new head coach, who knows Gigio from their Milan days and has never hidden his total faith in him: “Some things aren’t up for debate,” he would say, “and Gigio between the posts is the best.” The stats and the memories back him up: decisive in the Wembley shootout, a standout at Euro 2024, and nearly unbeatable when it matters most. With him in goal, Italy has built much of its recent hope.
The issue now is timing. September kicks off the World Cup qualifying campaign with two key fixtures against Estonia and Israel — matches Italy must win comfortably to keep direct qualification hopes alive and avoid the playoff trap. Gattuso can’t afford distractions or dips in form, and a “clubless” Donnarumma, away from competitive matches, risks losing sharpness and focus.
On the market, suitors aren’t lacking. Chelsea and Manchester United have already made inquiries, but the deal is complicated: a €30–40 million transfer fee plus top-tier wages. No Italian club currently seems capable of making a move. The likeliest outcome is a transfer to England or another top European side willing to bet on him immediately.
For Italy, the priority is clear: have Gigio at peak fitness and mental clarity when it’s time to lock down the Azzurri goal. Because in a tight World Cup race, his saves aren’t a luxury — they’re a necessity. Losing him, or having him show up rusty, is a risk Italy simply can’t take.
L’articolo Donnarumma’s Paris Exile and the Risk for Italy: The No. 1 Without a Club a Year Before the World Cup proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
