Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been showered with praise by Italy teammate Marco Carnesecchi, who labelled him “the best in the world” after another commanding international display.
The 26-year-old helped Italy to a 3-0 win over Israel earlier this week, producing several key saves to secure a clean sheet. The performance came just days after criticism for an error against Estonia — but Donnarumma’s response underlined why Manchester City moved quickly to sign him this summer.
According to Sky Italia and Corriere dello Sport, Carnesecchi spoke glowingly about the Manchester City star’s influence on the squad, insisting that when Donnarumma is “well and happy, he’s unrivalled.”
Donnarumma earns glowing praise from Italy teammate
Donnarumma has settled quickly into life at the Etihad Stadium, helping City remain unbeaten since his arrival. While some questioned his ability to fit into Pep Guardiola’s possession-based system, the Italian has silenced many of those doubts with confident handling and leadership from the back.
“When you have the best player in the world in goal, you have to raise your hand and help him feel good. We all know that when he’s well, he’s unrivalled.” — Marco Carnesecchi, via Sky Italia
Carnesecchi added that competition between Italy’s goalkeepers remains “healthy and respectful,” with unity in the squad taking priority over personal ambition. Donnarumma’s popularity and authority in the dressing room continue to make him a vital figure for both club and country.
Guardiola adapting to Donnarumma’s strengths at Manchester City
Since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, Donnarumma has featured six times across all competitions for City, keeping four clean sheets. His standout performances against Brentford and Manchester United have helped re-establish City’s defensive stability after an uneven start to the campaign.
While his distribution remains a work in progress, his reflexes, command of the area and communication have been widely praised inside the Etihad. Sources close to the club suggest Guardiola values Donnarumma’s personality and leadership as much as his technical ability.
| Stat (2025/26) | Gianluigi Donnarumma |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 6 |
| Clean Sheets | 4 |
| Saves per Game | 3.8 |
| Save Percentage | 84% |
source: sofascore match data – 17 October 2025
Those numbers reflect a goalkeeper in excellent form — one who’s adapted faster than many expected. His composure under pressure has been key in tight matches, giving City’s younger back line the confidence to play their natural game.
Analyst Verdict — by Liam Rowe, FootballPlace
In my view, Donnarumma’s impact at Manchester City has gone beyond shot-stopping. He’s brought authority and calm to a defence undergoing transition, while showing surprising comfort building from the back. For Guardiola, having a keeper who commands respect in the dressing room is as vital as one who plays neat passes into midfield.
We believe his experience with Italy, coupled with Carnesecchi’s public support, will only strengthen Donnarumma’s confidence heading into a busy domestic run. If he continues this trajectory, the “best in the world” tag might not sound far-fetched for long.
Key Insights
- Italy’s Marco Carnesecchi hails Donnarumma as “the best in the world.”
- Manchester City remain unbeaten since the Italian’s arrival.
- Pep Guardiola adapting tactics to complement Donnarumma’s strengths.
- Four clean sheets in six appearances across all competitions.
- Leadership and composure making him an instant fan favourite at the Etihad.
What’s Next
Manchester City return to Premier League action against Everton this weekend, with Donnarumma expected to start once again. Guardiola’s side then face RB Leipzig in the Champions League midweek as they aim to extend their unbeaten streak.
With Carnesecchi’s praise echoing across Italy, Donnarumma will look to maintain his form both domestically and internationally — and further prove why many already consider him among the elite.
👉 Is Donnarumma already Manchester City’s most important signing of the season?
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