Italian media say new Man City signing just put in ‘Ballon d’Or-worthy’ display in just 29 touches

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Gianluigi Donnarumma made his first appearance of the season, keeping a clean sheet in Italy’s World Cup qualifying win over Estonia.

Donnarumma featured for Paris Saint-Germain at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, but was then told he was no longer part of Luis Enrique’s plans and the Champions League winners signed Lucas Chevalier as his replacement.

The Italian secured a permanent exit on transfer deadline day, moving to Manchester City for a £26m fee after Ederson left to join Fenerbahce.

That transfer has been hailed as an impressive signing for City, although some pundits have raised concerns over Donnarumma’s ability to play out from the back as Ederson did so effectively – but fans have been reassured after watching their new keeper play for Italy on Friday night.

Gianluigi Donnarumma makes ‘Ballon d’Or’ performance in Italy victory over Estonia in World Cup qualifying

Having not played so far this season, Donnarumma was playing for the first time in 2025/26 when he made his 75th international cap for Italy on Friday.

Keeping a clean sheet – his 31st for Italy – Donnarumma particularly impressed with his passing and possession statistics. He made 29 touches in total, completing all of his passes and also recording a 100% long pass accuracy.

Gianluigi Donnarumma statistics for Italy vs Estonia (Source: FotMob)

• Minutes: 90
• Touches: 29
• Pass completion: 100% (22/22)
• Long pass completion: 100% (2/2)
• Saves: 2
• Recoveries: 8
• Goals prevented by xG: 0.23

Italian media were also full of praise for Italy’s performance, and that of Donnarumma, even if Gazzetta dello Sport said he was largely ‘inactive’ due to Estonia’s lack of chances created.

Corriere dello Sport rated Donnarumma 6.5/10, saying his control was ‘normal’, but one save was ‘masterful’ and they went on to say: “his height and speed are Ballon d’Or-worthy.”

Manchester City fans react to Gianluigi Donnarumma performance for Italy, ‘my ball-playing goalkeeper’

Manchester City fans were delighted to see Donnarumma impress under pressure with his passing range, taking to social media to express their excitement.

@DxBruyneSZN posted: “Donnarumma for Italy had: 100% accurate passes [and] 100% accurate long balls. So much for ‘He can’t distribute’.” @Vic_Insight01 added: “We are in safe hands.”

@SarimQamar43 posted a screenshot of Donnarumma’s statistics from the game with the caption: “‘But he can’t play with his feet'”, and @ryangstevens07 said: “Can’t play with his feet apparently.” ‘Kullen’ said: “I thought he can’t do long balls?? Or is that another myth busted?”

Italy next take on Israel on Sunday, looking to overtake their opponents on goal difference and keep up pressure on Group I leaders Norway.