Donnarumma says Italy's World Cup pain remains raw before Nations League return

Italy will play their first competitive match since losing a World Cup playoff final to Bosnia on penalties when they face Belgium in the Nations League. Gianluigi Donnarumma said the pain from that failure is still too great to discuss in detail, but stressed the need to move forward under Roberto Mancini. He also praised young players such as Alessandro Romano as important for the national team's new era.

Italy’s Nations League opener against Belgium in Rome is their first competitive match since a World Cup playoff final loss to Bosnia on penalties. The aftermath was chaotic, and Roberto Mancini has returned as coach. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, now with Manchester City, said the defeat remains too painful to discuss fully but stressed rebuilding and progress.

Donnarumma called the intervening months long and unusual, describing an odd summer. He said supporters will be disappointed and the team must rekindle their affection for the Azzurri. He also named Alessandro Romano and other young, keen players as important to the national team’s fresh era. After Belgium, Italy face Turkey and then France.