International Friendlies: England vs Italy, 5 Talking Points

#2 A fascinating tale of two Gianluigis

Donnarumma is an able successor to Buffon

While one Gianluigi manned the net in the 2-0 defeat to Argentina last week, a much younger one was given a crack at it here against England. And whilst none came away with a clean-sheet in either of the games, the goalkeeping baton in Italy is successfully being handed over.

Donnarumma started at Wembley ahead of Buffon to put on an encouraging show between the sticks that Luigi Di Biagio would be proud of; for he was confident while handling the ball and didn't shy away from throwing himself into the mix to clear the danger. Even if he was well beaten by Jamie Vardy while striking the opener, there was this swagger about him that never faded away in face of a challenge.

With an increasing number of top clubs across Europe expressing interest in him, it's easy to see why he's so closely pursued. A more important point, however, is while Buffon nears the end of his career, Donnarumma looks ready to take up the mantle and with him in the side, the Azzurri can look forward to a bright future.