1982 World Cup winning goalie and captain Dino Zoff said Tuesday he was puzzled by Paris Saint-Germain dropping Italy keeper and skipper Gianluigi Donnarumma for Wednesday's European Super Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur because his heir had played such a large part in the Parisians' Champions League victory with his heroics against a string of English clubs before a solid performance in the 5-0 final drubbing of Inter Milan.
Donnarumma made spectacular match-saving saves against Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal before shutting out Inter in the UCL final on May 31.
Coach Luis Henrique has left the big Azzurro out of the Super Cup clash with Spurs amid rumours he might want away as he did from his previous place at AC Milan.
With his long experience first as player and then also as Italy coach, 83-year-old keeping legend Zoff weighed in on the Donnarumma-Paris Saint-Germain affair, telling ANSA: "I don't understand what could have happened, especially because his contribution was paramount.
"The situation isn't clear," he added, "or the reason for such a serious decision. Also because PSG's Champions League success is also thanks to him. "Of course, I'm surprised. Perhaps there are contract or renewal issues, but I have no specific information." Zoff said he isn't worried that the Italy goalkeeper will be out of action for long.
"I don't think he can stop because he could go somewhere else," he continued.
"There's no fear that, despite the upcoming international fixtures, Donnarumma will lose his starting spot for the Azzurri due to lack of minutes: "For me, that's not a viable option.
He's a reigning European champion. A solution will be found." Zoff said his successor as Azzurri coach Rino Gattuso can rest easy.
"I don't think Donnarumma will become a problem. I'm not that pessimistic. Advice? I won't give any. He'll know what to do." The former Italy number one under Ferruccio Valcareggi and Enzo Bearzot doesn't believe the criticisms of Donnarumma's limited use of his feet either.
"I don't think so. They're excuses. If a goalkeeper plays well with his feet, all the better, but you have to start from the basics, namely making saves." How would I rate Donnarumma's season, he was asked? "From what I've seen, he won the European Cup with a notable contribution. More than that..."
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