Donnarumma on ‘valuable lesson’ for Italy at EURO 2024 | OneFootball

Gianluigi Donnarumma thanked Italy fans for their support during EURO 2024, but took responsibility and trusts it will be ‘a valuable lesson.’

The Azzurri went out in the Round of 16 following last night’s dire 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, having scraped through the group phase thanks to a last-gasp draw with Croatia.

The squad returned to Italian soil this evening from Dortmund and there was practically nobody to meet them at the airport, save for a few kids seeking selfies.

“Thank you for all your support!” wrote Italy captain Donnarumma on Instagram.

“We are bitter and well aware that the performance of the team was not up to the standards of your expectations or our potential, and I take a lot of responsibility for that.

“You all gave your support and your passion, I assure you that every single player felt your presence and your support on the field.

“This defeat is a very strong, valuable lesson for the whole team and we are ready to learn from it to grow and improve together.

“From today we will start to work with heads and hearts, with the objective of preparing in the best way for the next few games and the World Cup.

“We have the pride and the privilege to wear this jersey and we will always respect what it represents: our history, our culture and all of you who support us in every game.

“Thank you from the heart for your tireless support. We can’t wait to repay your faith and affection with performances worthy of this Nazionale.

“Forza Azzurri!”

Donnarumma one of few Italy players who impressed

Donnarumma was one of the only players who emerged from this European Championship with any credit, as his performances helped keep the scorelines down and get Italy through the group stage.

He also took the team to the section of Italy supporters in the Olympiastadion in Berlin after the Switzerland defeat to thank them personally, though some jeered and rebuffed their gesture.