From "the next Buffon" to a national problem: Donnarumma's blunder highlights his poor development

The Italian national team reached its peak by winning the European Championship with that epic penalty shoot-out against England at Wembley. But since that night, everything seems to be going downhill for the Azzurri. They have problems with consistency, leadership, efficiency in the final third - and goalkeeping.

To avoid misunderstandings, Gianluigi Donnarumma is not Italy's biggest problem - but he is one of the problems. It's a theme that has been dragging on for over two years. Since Wembley, it has been a continuous up-and-down journey for the big goalie, perhaps with more downs than ups. In 2021, Donnarumma was one of the thirty candidates for the Ballon d'Or. After Italy's disappointing 1-1 draw in Macedonia on Saturday night, he is a big question mark among fans and pundits in Italy. Should Donnarumma be the national team's starting goalkeeper?

The mistake in Skopje reminded many Milan fans of the goal he conceded in his Rossoneri debut in 2015 when he conceded a similar goal to Domenico Berardi from a direct free kick. In Skopje, Enis Bardi beat the PSG goalie by putting the ball in his side of the goal. Poor positioning and the lack of push in his legs made the shot seem more unstoppable than it actually was. The goal evokes a broader analysis of his entire career trajectory.

At 17, Gigio was already a phenomenon for everyone. Today, at 24, it seems as if he has stalled in his development. The temptation to label him as overrated is creeping in. When he left Milan to join Paris Saint-Germain, he said he was going "to grow even more." However, his upward trajectory has been interrupted, especially the necessary mental evolution, but also technical. Donnarumma is 196 centimetres tall. He has the perfect physique for a goalie. However, the lack of judgment and proper positioning renders everything else void.

Mistakes happen, but it gets worrying if it's the same mistake repeatedly. It's up to Donnarumma to get his mind in the right place and dedicate himself to bettering himself if he wants to emulate the great Gianluigi Buffon, whose career at the top level spanned nearly three decades.