After the disappointment against North Macedonia, many see the PSG goalkeeper as one of the culprits and urge the national team coach to look elsewhereโฆ
The common sentiment of the Italians can be summed up in an early morning tweet: โGood Sunday to all,โ writes @1899Anonimo, โIs #VicarioTitolare already trending?โ The question is provocative, but the answer would beโฆ more yes than no.
After last nightโs mistake against North Macedonia, Gigio Donnarumma has come under the scrutiny of national team fans, who are clamoring on social media for Vicario to be put in between the posts, given his excellent start to the season with Tottenham.
The feeling is that when Donnarumma wears the Azzurri jersey, he doesnโt perform at his best: โIf you have the national team syndrome,โ writes @luca_DeMichele on Twitter, โplay someone in goal who doesnโt feel the pressure.โ Attached to the comment, the user added a video featuring Vicarioโs best saves in the Premier League. @yallatheo shares the same opinion: โHave courage, Spalletti, get Donnarumma out and bring in Vicario.โ
After the mistake, again against Macedonia, which prevented Italy from qualifying for the World Cup, Donnarumma has been criticized for allowing a goal on the post he should have covered: โHow can you be prepared for the free-kick with that posture,โ comments @AndreaLongoni5, who posts a screenshot of Gigio at the moment of the shot. โNot even in training do you stand like that, like a lamppost.โ
Amidst those calling for Vicario to be given a chance and those criticizing the former Milan player, there are also those who attempt to analyze Donnarummaโs current downturn. @AndrewBizzarri writes: โTalent alone is not enough. It needs to be nurtured, improved, and developed with a winning mentality.โ