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‘Phenomenon’ Gianluigi Donnarumma makes a stunning TRIPLE save to help Italy take the place in the Nations League final… with PSG goalkeeper crediting ‘Mother Nature’ for inspiring his magical moment in Budapest
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Gianluigi Donnarumma credited his stunning triple save against Hungary to ‘Mother Nature’ as Italy secured their place in the Nations League final.
Roberto Mancini’s side ran 2-0 winners in Budapest after goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Federico Dimarco.
But it was Donnarumma who got the most credit, especially after one move early in the second half, where he produced a superb triple save.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made a stunning triple save to keep Italy’s zero in Hungary
Teammates rushed to celebrate with him after his pivotal role in their 2-0 win
One strike in Hungary saw four shots on target, with Donnarumma, whom La Gazzetta dello Sport called ‘Inhuman’ and ‘a phenomenon’, making three saves from Loic Nego, Styles and Adam Szalai.
Asked what was behind his astonishing reactions to keep his blank slate intact, Donnarumma smiled that the universe was working in his favor.
“I think it’s more mother nature than anything, although I also work in training,” he told Italian broadcaster RAI.
‘It takes a little bit of everything. But now I must go on like this, I must do it for all of Italy and for those who believe in me.’
Donnarumma praised ‘Mother Nature’ for his razor-sharp reactions when Italy won in Budapest
Italy managed to channel their disappointment at missing out on qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar by winning their Nations League group and thus qualifying for the final.
Mancini’s side successfully navigated the ‘Group of Death’ – with Hungary one point behind in second, Germany third and England relegated.
“We needed this to bring back a little enthusiasm, even if nothing can heal the open wound that the World Cup is missing,” added Donnarumma.
“It was important to restart, for all of Italy and for those who believed in us. We started the group well with two wins, now we’ve reached the final and we’re going to try to win everything.’
Italy missed the World Cup, but they have secured their place in the Nations League final
An in-form Donnarumma is a huge asset to Italy and Mancini and the Azzurri boss believes regular playing time at PSG is key to his goalkeeper’s inspired form in Hungary.
“Gigio did well, you can see he’s playing regularly in Paris Saint-Germain now and that sense of confidence is showing,” Mancini told reporters.
“I’m happy because I wanted to get these two wins over England and Hungary to qualify, and we put in two good performances.”