Where Donnarumma might struggle in Premier League for Manchester City

Sky Sport Italia are covering the game in Italy and noted something intriguing about the warm-up process this afternoon.

It was spotted that Donnarumma was practicing how to deal with crosses into the box, specifically from corners and free kicks, because this might be a problem for the Italian.

Donnarumma must get used to English referees

There are some definite differences in the officiating between the Premier League and international football, above all whereas any touch on a goalkeeper is generally considered a foul in Italy or France, these are very rarely given by English referees.

It is a cultural problem that another Italian goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur, has already run into with opponents recognising this and crowding players around him.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

“They don’t need to necessarily touch the goalkeeper, but put players right next to him who are ready to back up or jump just as their teammates are preparing to shoot, preventing him from running off his line cleanly,” explained Sky Sport Italia pundit Di Canio.

“These are fouls they just don’t give in England. There already should’ve been one frankly when Israel had a goal disallowed against Italy for a similar issue, that in my view was never a foul, and it wouldn’t have been given as a foul in the Premier League.”

Donnarumma played in the chaotic 5-4 World Cup qualifier on Monday that saw Italy beat Israel in stoppages, despite conceding two own goals.

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