Italy media rave about Gianluigi Donnarumma display as he outperforms his expected saves

Gianluigi Donnarumma was a lonely highlight for Italy on Friday as they were beaten 2-0 by Belgium in the Nations League.

The Manchester City stopper made numerous saves, but could not keep out Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio as Italy slumped to defeat in Roma.

There appears to be no immediate light at the end of the tunnel for the Azzurri, who were appearing in a competitive match for the first time since missing out on the summer's World Cup.

Donnarumma has enjoyed a solid start to the season for Man City, keeping clean sheets in two of his five Premier League games so far.

The 27-year-old could not guide Italy to the World Cup, but has been captaining his nation since 2022 and could well challenge Gianluigi Buffon's record 176 caps by the time all is said and done.

He will need support ahead of him if Roberto Mancini's side are to change their fortunes, however, and in Friday's game, he was all alone.

Italy media rave about 'masterful' Gianluigi Donnarumma

There was little Donnarumma could have done for either Belgium goal, with both finishes taken well.

The key feature of both goals was more the spectacularly bad defending on display from those in front of the goalkeeper.

The Man City man did what he could to keep his team in the game - he made six saves in total, with five of them coming from inside the box.

Donnarumma faced 2.59 expected goals on target across the night, making it impressive that the game remained in reach for Italy as it entered the closing 30 minutes.

The number one is often criticised for his kicking at Man City, but he completed 21 of his attempted 26 passes on Friday, including seven long balls.

Handing Donnarumma a 7.5 out of 10, Sky Sports in Italy wrote: "We're not starting from scratch. Yes, from one, because the number one remains very strong. 

"Without him, who pulled four rabbits out of his hat in the first half, the game would have already been over before halftime. Well done Gigio, now we just need to find ten more of the same quality."

Tuttosport gave the goalkeeper a seven out of 10, and wrote: "A masterful save from De Ketelaere: he goes down as fast as a cat. He repeats the feat shortly after, again on the Atalanta player [Charles De Ketelaere], and then on [Nico] Raskin with a perfectly timed and well-placed save.

"He can't do much about Godts's goal, but he does have a big hand on the header. He avoids a worse collapse: he does what he can and more."

Donnarumma involved in Romelu Lukaku scrap

At the final whistle, Donnarumma appeared to be taunted by ex-Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgium international looked to signal two with his fingers, before closing his fist to signal a zero, with the Man City goalkeeper approaching to retaliate before they were separated.

In all likelihood, Lukaku's signal was a direct reference to the score line, but there others have suggested a different message.

Not only have both players played for altering Manchester clubs, but Donnarumma played for AC Milan while Lukaku played for Inter Milan - some have suggested the striker was referring to the two Serie A titles he has to his name.