Gianluigi Donnarumma’s performance in Italy’s 1-1 Nations League draw with France has prompted debate over whether the Manchester City goalkeeper is currently the best number one in world football.
Donnarumma was named Italy’s man of the match in post-match ratings after making a series of outstanding saves at the Stade de France. His interventions kept the Azzurri in the contest while they were under sustained pressure from Zinedine Zidane’s side.
French newspapers argued the result could have been very different had the former Milan goalkeeper not been in Italy’s goal. Italian media also praised Donnarumma’s display, with La Gazzetta dello Sport going further by placing him first in a list of the world’s top 10 goalkeepers, compiled on Saturday and based on current form.
The ranking has led to a poll asking whether Donnarumma deserves that status. A total of 108 people voted.
One response rejected the idea, arguing that Donnarumma was “not even the best Italian” and that Marco Carnesecchi was the better goalkeeper but had not been given the opportunity to establish himself with Italy.
Another voter agreed that Donnarumma was currently number one, describing him as “by far the world’s number one” and highlighting his reach. That view accepted there were goalkeepers who were better with the ball at their feet, but argued that a goalkeeper’s primary role was to make saves that win matches and trophies.
A further contributor said the answer was “easily yes”. In response, another voter praised Carnesecchi as a top goalkeeper but questioned whether he would have matched Donnarumma’s display against France. The same contributor said they did not believe he would have done so.
The debate continued over whether Italy now have two world-class goalkeepers. One view described Carnesecchi as “1b”, while another said Italy were fortunate to have two players of that level competing for a position that allows only one to play at a time.
Carnesecchi’s supporters also pointed to his performances for Atalanta. One voter, who said they watched every Atalanta match, claimed the club would otherwise be in the bottom three this season and felt Carnesecchi deserved a chance for Italy, even in a friendly. They added that Donnarumma could occasionally concede a soft goal, whereas Carnesecchi did not.
Other voters urged caution over the praise for Donnarumma. One argued that a single strong performance should not automatically lead to claims that he is the best in the world, particularly after Italy’s recent defeat by Belgium. The same response described the Nations League as little more than “glorified friendlies”.
A final assessment drew a distinction between Donnarumma’s strengths, calling him the best shot-stopper in the world but criticising his ability with the ball at his feet.
Peter Young is a senior reporter with Football Italia.
