Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed the reason why he did not celebrate immediately after saving Bukayo Saka’s penalty was that he did not know Italy had won.
The Italian goalkeeper – who was named the Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament – baffled viewers and even led some to believe England were still in the game after his penalty save against the teenage star.
He told Sky Sport Italia: “I didn’t celebrate because I didn’t realise we had won!”
This will probably come as no surprise to some. The goalkeeper looked quite bland for a period after Saka’s miss, not one you’d think looks like he had just won a major international tournament.
Southgate-Saka saga
Meanwhile, Saka turned away and covered his face. It was a heavy burden to be put on him, some say. Gareth Southgate should have chosen a more experienced player to take the spot-on kick, which is another criticism of the Three Lions boss.
Southgate recently stated that the penalties fell on him alone. Via the Guardian, he said: ““That is my responsibility. I chose the guys to take the kicks. I told the players that nobody is on their own in that situation. We win and lose together as a team.
“They have been tight throughout and that’s how it needs to stay. It is my decision to give him [Saka] that penalty. That is totally my responsibility. It is not him or Marcus or Jadon. We worked through them in training. That is the order we came to.
“What they have to know is none of them are on their own. We win and lose as a team. Penalties are my call.
Fans have come together to give Saka his plaudits. It was a breakout competition for the youngster on the international stage and one failed penalty does in no way discount the tantalising and proficient displays he provided England throughout the competition.
Featured image credit: Getty
