A.C Milan’s phenom made his debut for the Azzurri in their 3-1 defeat to France last night.
Gigi Donnarumma became the youngest player to represent Italy post World War II with an assured performance in the second half against France.
Fittingly enough, he replaced Gianluigi Buffon at half-time in a symbolic ‘passing of the torch’.
Donnarumma, 17, was not even born when Buffon made his Italy debut. As a matter of a fact there is a 484-day difference between his debut and Gigi’s birth.
Buffon himself sees greatness in Donnarumma, calling him a “predestinato“, or “chosen one.” However, the Juventus legend isn’t quite ready to hang up the gloves just yet.
“There’s a new project, and we’re ready to make our quality available to the coach,” said Buffon.
“When you feel you still have something to give then you’re ready for a new project.”
At the conclusion of the match, a visibly moved Donnarumma spoke about his debut: “It’s indescribable. I thank Coach Ventura for this opportunity and my debut. I am really quite emotional about it.”
Donnarumma did concede a goal late to Layvin Kurzawa in the 81st minute but performed in quite an assured manner otherwise.
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