- Gianluigi Donnarumma was not chosen to start the Carabao Cup final
- The goalkeeper is likely to return to action for his national team
- Italy will face Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifying fixture
Gianluigi Donnarumma was not selected to start in the Carabao Cup final, but he could start tonight as Italy continue their bid to qualify for the World Cup.
Pep Guardiola made a big decision not to start Gianluigi Donnarumma against Arsenal last weekend, but it paid off.
James Trafford did a good job between the sticks, as Manchester City kept a clean sheet, giving them the foundation to go on and win the Carabao Cup.
The England international was vital for Man City, and his triple save to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in the first half may well have changed the course of the match.
Gianluigi Donnarumma could start for Italy
Even though Donnarumma was not selected by Pep Guardiola, he will be hoping to start for Italy as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday night.
Gennaro Gattuso’s team are playing against Northern Ireland in Bergamo and a win tonight would see them play one final qualifying fixture next Tuesday.
Donnarumma played in Italy’s most recent match back in November. He conceded four goals against Norway, two of which were scored by Erling Haaland.
Donnarumma desperately needs a victory
Man City may have won last weekend when Donnarumma was not in the starting lineup, but they have been failing to record victories with the Italian in the side.
Donnarumma started in both of Man City’s defeats to Real Madrid, as well as their draws in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
Therefore, the goalkeeper could really do with tasting success while he represents his national team, in order to get raise his confidence after a difficult few weeks.
