'It's just the way it is' - Gianluigi Donnarumma issues strong defence of Italian football as Man City goalkeeper opens up on differences between Premier League and Serie A

Earlier this summer, Donnarumma left Paris Saint-Germain in controversial circumstances, being sold by the French side just months after the Italian custodian played a pivotal role in their quadruple win, including their maiden Champions League trophy. Contract extension talks stalled, as head coach Luis Enrique opted for a better ball-playing profile in Lucas Chevalier. Eventually, Donnarumma completed a €30 million (£26m/$35m) move to Manchester City.

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Donnarumma said: "I've been fortunate enough to experience very different realities: from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, where I recently arrived. From afar, I can say that our football is no less than the others.

"In England you run from the first minute of the game to the last minute, it's not like that here, but that doesn't mean it's better or worse. It's just the way it is..."

Donnarumma has made six appearances since switching to City in the summer. His adaptation has been quick and impressive, forming a close bond with a number of City team-mates in a relatively short amount of time. Many experts are also claiming that he is already the best goalkeeper in the Premier League currently. 

Earlier this week, he was praised by his national team head coach Gennaro Gattuso for helping Italy keep a clean sheet against Israel in their 3-0 win. 

The 26-year-old made his debut for the Azzurri in 2016, just two years after the Italians suffered an embarrassing group stage exit in the World Cup. Although he has led his country to a European championship, Italy haven't qualified for the past two editions of the World Cup. Donnarumma, however, has unshakeable belief in the fact that Italy will be present at next year's showpiece event. 

"It won't happen a third time, it can't happen: this national team will end up in the next World Cup. I have no doubts," he said. "The lessons of the past are meaningful if you embrace them: we won't underestimate anyone, we won't take anyone lightly; it wouldn't make sense to do so. And, besides, this group loves each other: we'll be ready when playoff time comes. The word playoffs doesn't scare us, it won't affect us. In this new Italy, the group is healthy, beautiful, united: I can say that with certainty. We feel good together, we feel in harmony with each other."