It was the match within the match, the other duel on everyone’s lips, the standoff under the Italian spotlight: goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made his comeback on the San Siro pitch, in the jersey of Paris Saint- Germain, in the Champions League against his former club AC Milan. And for several weeks, several tifosi, and in particular from the group of ultras of the Curva Sud, were preparing a large device to welcome, in a hostile manner, their former doorman. Trained at the Primavera of the Rossoneri, the native of Castellammare di Stabia turned professional at the age of 16 and played 251 games there in the red and black jersey in six seasons, before officially leaving AC Milan for free on the 14th. July 2021, just after Euro 2020, during which the Italian giant was crowned European champion and voted best player in the competition.
A departure towards Paris Saint-Germain, opponent of the Rossoneri on Tuesday evening, which has never been accepted by the groups of Milanese fans, who have never stopped whistling and criticizing him since his signing for PSG. The writing of French Football Weekly had also met several Rossoneri supporters who offered us testimonials before the clash between Milan and Paris this week. And one thing is certain: the Italian Ultras did not lie when they promised an unforgettable negative reception to Gianluigi Donnarumma. As soon as the Parisian goalkeepers warmed up, the Squadra Azzurra international was greeted by a deafening bronca in the bays of San Siro. Mission succeeded therefore for the supporters who, in addition to a precious victory (2-1), tickled Donnarumma.
Counterfeit notes, banners but also… parades!
They announced it and they did not fail. The ultras of the Curva Sud planned to throw counterfeit notes bearing the image of “Gianluigi Dollarumma”. The goalkeeper was sprayed with thousands of small bills with the inscription “mercenary” under the fans’ stand several times during the meeting, where several anti-Gigio banners were proudly displayed saying “Donnarumma, son of a bitch.” Chants of insults were also echoed throughout the stadium, notably when the PSG goalkeeper moved forward to place himself in his cages, under the Curva Sud des Ultras, a few seconds before kick-off. Without forgetting the classic whistles at each touch of the ball. A rain of counterfeit notes and a tidal wave of insults for the Italian goalkeeper. An ordeal that was only just beginning.
But paradoxically, Gianluigi Donnarumma had a good game this Tuesday evening despite his team’s defeat, posting a total of six saves and very few errors in his kicking game. He delayed Milan’s second goal several times during the match. Even on Rafael Leao’s opening score, the Italian repelled the danger for the first time (12th), which he also did on Théo Hernandez’s free kick (65th) or Noah Okafor’s strike (85th) between others. A mentality of steel that the Spanish coach of PSG, Luis Enrique, did not fail to highlight to praise his goalkeeper: “He has a lot of experience, personality. Football is a passion, the supporters have demonstrated their position. The environment is like that when you like a player. He played a great match., then affirmed the tactician native of Gijon at a press conference. With this ambient context and despite the collective setback, hats off Mr. Gigio!
