Donnarumma and Buffon discuss Italy debut, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mancini in double interview

Rome: Gigio Donnarumma and Gigi Buffon were involved in a double interview on Wednesday, discussing their Italy debuts, their ‘nightmares’ in goal and who would be a better striker.

Donnarumma and Buffon replied to questions from X users on Wednesday in a double live interview broadcasted by the Azzurri’s official account.

Buffon made his senior Italy debut in 1997 and has recently been appointed as the Azzurri’s Delegation Chief replacing the late Gianluca Vialli.

Donnarumma, on the other hand, made his Italy debut in 2016 replacing Buffon during the half-time break of a 3-1 loss against France.

“How can I forget it? I was ready because I knew I would make my debut in the second half,” said the PSG goalkeeper.

“Debuts with clubs and national team are different. It’s hard to forget it, I also have a tattoo.”

During his unveiling press conference on Monday, Buffon said he had seen a ‘different’ Donnarumma, but has Buffon changed at all?

“No, he’s always the same!” Donnarumma replied smiling.

“He’s always the same person. He has great enthusiasm, he helps everyone and having him here gives us more strength. We’re happy that he’s back.”

Buffon continued talking about his senior Italy debut 25 years ago.

“Mine was different because it was unexpected,” he said.

“Under certain aspects, it was better because you have no time to think, you can only act, so you put what you have on the pitch. Not having time to prepare for the event was probably better.”

Both Gigio and Gigi were asked who was their ‘nightmare’ in goal. A striker who would always score against them.

“Surely Bobo Vieri in the first years because he scored as soon as he touched the ball,” said Buffon.

“Then I can say Roberto Mancini who scored many beautiful goals against me. However, there wasn’t a real nightmare. The only thing you know as a goalkeeper is that you will concede goals. So all you can do is try to make some saves.”

“As Gigi said, there are no nightmares,” added Donnarumma, “but the one who stuck me the most is Cristiano Ronaldo.

“His presence, the champion he is. I was very young, so it is normal that he impressed me, but I’ve never feared anyone. Here with the national team, Ciro Immobile often scores against me. We are doing some challenges and we often joke about it. It’s always nice.”

“Everything. From the technique to staying between the sticks. I observed him doing everything,” confessed the ex-Milan goalkeeper.

“One important thing is not being overwhelmed by emotion in goal and Gigi was the No.1. I learned everything from him. I used to observe him and I remember being a ballboy when I was in Milan’s youth sector. I would stay behind his goal to observe and learn. He was the best.”

A user asked who would be the best striker between them, but only Buffon replied: “I think with today’s football it would be Gigio because he is physically stronger than me and right now, physicality is key in football.”