Gianluigi Donnarumma in action against England during the Euro 2020 final (AP)
Gianluigi Donnarumma single-handedly returned the Henri Delaunay Trophy to Rome after Jadon Sancho’s attempt was denied, before taking the win from Bukayo Saka from 12 yards.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was the hero of the summit clash with two saves in the penalty shootout as the Azzurri won the Euro 2020 title 3-2 on penalties after finishing the final 1-1 against England after extra time. The 22-year-old scored just four goals during the continental tournament, never allowing more than one goal in any game. Due to his heroism, Donnarumma was named the Player of the Tournament for Euro 2020.
The shot keeper single-handedly returned the Henri Delaunay Trophy to Rome when he disallowed Jadon Sancho’s attempt, before making the winning save from Bukayo Saka from 12 yards. However, he panicked after Saka’s decisive shot left the football world stunned. He was seen restrainingly waving fists after the victory was confirmed, while his teammates surrounded him and soon fled in a wild celebration.
It so happened that Donnarumma did not realize that Italy had won the title with his save. The goalkeeper has admitted that he was waiting for the scoreline to be confirmed after the Three Lions missed out on the fifth spot-kick. Saka had a chance to lead the epic contest into a sudden death after Jorginho’s attempt was turned down by Jordan Pickford. But he failed to beat the Italian goalkeeper who managed to take the ball away.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Donnarumma said, “I didn’t celebrate on penalties because I didn’t know we had won.” He also mentioned that he was already “feeling disappointed” after Jorginho missed a penalty and felt the team had lost and went on to continue. Donnarumma also said that with the introduction of VAR, he would have to watch his feet to see if he was not in front of the line and to the referee to see if it was okay. That’s when he saw his team charging towards him and it started from there.
Donnarumma was publicly praised by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi during a celebratory speech to Mancini’s men at his official residence. He is now hailed as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the business and the young star is rumored to have signed a deal with French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days.
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