Donnarumma Backs Man Utd’s Lammens but Issues Nations League Warning

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has backed Belgium’s Senne Lammens ahead of their Nations League meeting in Rome, but wants any further progress from the Manchester United keeper to wait until after Friday night.

The two goalkeepers will face each other at the Stadio Olimpico, with the Group A match due to begin at 19:45 UK time. France and Turkiye complete the section, raising the value of an early result for both Italy and Belgium.

Donnarumma knows Lammens from their club rivalry in Manchester and said the Belgian has the quality to build a major future despite the demands attached to United’s No.1 shirt.

“He is a great goalkeeper and doing well at Manchester United is not easy,” Donnarumma said. “I’m convinced he has a great future. I have met him and he is an intelligent guy. I hope he continues improving, but after tomorrow’s game.”

City keeper won first meeting

Friday’s international contest follows the pair’s first clash of the season in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Donnarumma’s Manchester City were reduced to 10 players in the opening half when Phil Foden was sent off, yet held firm and won 1-0 through Erling Haaland’s goal.

That result gave Donnarumma the first victory in the goalkeeping duel, but Italy now need him to repeat the performance on home ground. Lammens, meanwhile, has the chance to lead Belgium to a statement away result and give their Nations League campaign early momentum.