EM - Donnarumma on penalties in training: "Let a few in"
Before the EURO-16teenth final against Switzerland, the Italian football national team prepared for all possibilities. "I let in a few goals during the training session for the eleven, so they're not too demotivated," joked goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before the game at the Berlin Olympiastadion on Saturday (18.00 Uhr/RTL/Magenta TV). But it's important to train for penalty shootouts.
In the EURO final won three years ago, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper parried two penalties in the penalty shootout and was named Player of the Tournament. His coach Luciano Spalletti would rather decide the game against Switzerland beforehand. "It wouldn't be ideal for the flow of the game if we had to go to a penalty shootout," said the 65-year-old. One shouldn't overtrain it either, as this could increase the pressure too much. "That could backfire," said the coach.
Donnarumma's opponent Yann Sommer doesn't want to discuss the preferences of potential Italian shooters before the game. Only in case of necessity will he look at it together with the coaching team after the extension. "If it comes to that, we will be well prepared," said the goalkeeper from Inter Milan, who previously played for Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Bayern Munich.
- Italy's national soccer team, led by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, had previously traveled to Switzerland for a friendly match, showcasing their preparations ahead of the EM round of sixteen.
- Prior to their encounter with Germany at the Olympic Stadium Berlin, both Italy and Switzerland were considered strong contenders, with several soccer analysts predicting a thrilling match.
- During their preparations for the EM tournament, the Italian squad frequently trained in various locations, including Switzerland and Italy, to acclimate themselves to different environments and game conditions.
- Before the Italy-Switzerland quarterfinal, Donnarumma recounted his memorable performance during the EURO final three years ago, where he saved two penalties in a tense shootout, ultimately helping his team win the tournament.
- After the extension of the Italy-Switzerland match, RTL and Magenta TV viewers eagerly awaited the penalty shootout, recalling Donnarumma's impressive past performances under pressure in major soccer events.
- With the highest stakes of the EM round of sixteen at play, Donnarumma, hailing from Italy, and Yann Sommer, representing Switzerland, prepared to face off in a crucial penalty shootout, determining the fate of both nations' soccer dreams in Berlin.
