Gianluigi Donnarumma reveals major Enzo Maresca impact at Manchester City

Gianluigi Donnarumma has praised the early impact of Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, revealing the new manager has created a “wonderful atmosphere” following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Maresca inherited the City job this summer and, after losing the Community Shield against Arsenal, has overseen six consecutive victories. City have scored 15 goals and conceded only four during that run.

Donnarumma has remained an important figure through the managerial transition, with Maresca also selecting the Italian goalkeeper as one of his captains.

Donnarumma joined Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and immediately established himself as first-choice goalkeeper.

He helped City win both the EFL Cup and FA Cup during his debut campaign and has now recorded 21 clean sheets across 49 appearances for the club.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Donnarumma highlighted Maresca’s influence after City’s recent victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

“Maresca has great faith in me; he chose me as one of the team captains, and it’s a huge source of pride for me to represent this jersey with that responsibility,” Donnarumma said.

“He pays great attention to detail, he helps you a lot, and he created a wonderful atmosphere.”

The derby victory was particularly significant after City played the majority of the contest with 10 men, providing another early test of Maresca’s new-look side.

While Donnarumma is enjoying City’s strong start, his international situation has been far more difficult.

The 27-year-old has made 83 appearances for Italy and was part of the team that won the European Championship in 2020. However, Italy’s failure to qualify for a third successive World Cup means he is still waiting to appear at the tournament.

Donnarumma described watching this summer’s World Cup from home as “incredibly hard” and admitted it contributed to a difficult few months.

Attention has now turned towards rebuilding under Roberto Mancini.

“We all have to rewrite our history together,” Donnarumma said. “But we have to keep our heads up; there’s no alternative.”

For City, however, Donnarumma’s message is significantly more positive. Maresca has quickly earned the goalkeeper’s trust while giving him additional responsibility as part of the club’s leadership group.

Donnarumma will look to maintain his position as one of Maresca’s key players as City attempt to continue their winning run following an impressive start under their new manager.

Internationally, his attention turns towards helping Italy recover from another World Cup disappointment and begin a new cycle under Mancini.