Carnesecchi accepts Italy role as Donnarumma’s back-up

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi insisted he is “not disappointed” to be Italy’s second-choice option behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Carnesecchi was called up by Roberto Mancini during the last international break, but he did not play any minutes as Donnarumma started all four of their Nations League matches.

After losing 2-0 to Belgium in their opening game, the Azzurri defeated Turkiye 4-1 and 3-1, either side of a draw with Zinedine Zidane’s France.

Since the start of the 2024-25 season, only Mile Svilar (37) and Yann Sommer (28) have kept more clean sheets in Serie A than Carnesecchi (27).

And among goalkeepers to have faced 500+ shots in the competition in the same time frame, Carnesecchi ranks second for saves (241) and save percentage (75.5%).

When asked about his role with Italy, Carnesecchi said: “For us, Donnarumma is an added value for Italy.

“I’m not disappointed about not playing because, right now, the good of the Italian national team comes before individuals.

“Italy need to rebuild on solid foundations. We’re happy to have him, and I’m pleased with what he’s doing.”

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) October 14, 2026

And when asked how he can improve his own game, the 26-year-old said: “One thing that drives me mad is dealing with high balls. I need to do more of it.

“I want to be dominant in the air too. It’s true that I improved a lot last year, but I want to do more because it will pay off, with the hard work I’m putting in.

“I aspire to become one of the best, and that pushes me to keep improving. I’ve improved a lot with my feet and in goal, but I want to become even more dominant.”

Italy will face France at home and Belgium away in the Nations League during the November international break.

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