Serie A 2018/2019 - Inter Milan 1-0 AC Milan: Three talking points

#2 Despite his ability, Donnarumma is overrated

Donnarumma has made a series of errors of late

Gianluigi Donnarumma made headlines around the world when he became the second youngest goalkeeper in history to make their Serie A debut when he started for Milan in 2015 aged just 16 years and 242 days. He later created more history when he became the youngest goalkeeper ever to represent the Azurri when he started for the Italian national team at just 17 years and 189 days in September 2016.

He had his stock steady rising as one of the best young players in the world, and was nominated for the prestigious Golden Boy award (which is handed to the best players in the world under the age of 21), with it suggested that he was the long-term heir to PSG's Gianluigi Buffon as the future of Italian football. The legendary goalkeeper himself endorsed the 19-year-old, and many believed that it was only a matter of time before Donnarumma established himself as the world's best goalkeeper.

However, since his exceptional form at the start of his career, the Milan youth product has seen a steady decline in his performances, making a string of shocking errors, with reports emerging that he cost Milan 11 points in the 2017/2018 league campaign due to mistakes which he made.

A lot of criticism has been levelled at his handling, and in the match against Inter, his deficiencies were once more at the fore, as he was guilty of a lot of basic errors not expected of a top-level goalkeeper. He mishandled a lot of harmless crosses in the match, electing to punch right back into danger instead of parrying away to safety which all went unpunished. His biggest gaffe of the night however came in stoppage-time as he misjudged the flight of Vecino’s cross, and was left stranded in no man's land handing Icardi a golden chance on a plate, and there was always going to be only one outcome from such opportunity.

The first Milan derby of the season was decided by a mistake (which is increasingly becoming a part of his game) from the much touted next Buffon, costing the Rossonerri one point and more importantly bragging rights. Big things were initially expected from Donnarumma, but two years on, he has not developed his significant weaknesses yet. He must do all in his powers to halt this worrying trend, as critics and supporters alike will only continue with their microscopic focus on his goalkeeping displays in future.