Juventus

17-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma becomes the youngest goalkeeper in Italy history

Published Oct. 20, 2016 4:36 p.m. ET

Aaron West

Gigi Donnarumma made his debut for the full Italian national team in a friendly against France, becoming the youngest ever goalkeeper in Italian history, and the youngest player, period, to feature in a match post-World War II.

At just 17 years of age, Donnarumma came on at halftime to replace the legendary Gigi Buffon, who, fittingly, held the record for youngest goalkeeper until Donnarumma came along. The crazy part? Donnarumma wasn't even born when Buffon made his Italy debut, and Buffon was a full two years older than the Milan custodian on his international debut.

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It's a fantastic achievement for young Donnarumma, especially given the fact that Italian youngsters are typically brought through the ranks relatively slower than in other countries; especially goalkeepers. Donnarumma's no stranger to making history though: at 16 years and 8 months, he was the youngest keeper to start a match in the history of Italian soccer.

Buffon himself sees greatness in Donnarumma, calling him a "predestinato", or "chosen one." Juventus' No. 1 isn't quite ready to turn the gloves over to his chosen heir just yet though.

"There's a new project, and we're ready to make our quality available to the coach," said Buffon. "When you feel you still have something to give then you're ready for a new project."

Despite the auspicious circumstances, the young goalkeeper was unable to keep a clean sheet on his bow, conceding his first ever international goal and Italy's third on the night to Layvin Kurzawa in the 81st minute.

After the match, a visibly moved Donnarumma spoke about his debut: “It’s indescribable. I thank Coach Ventura for this opportunity and my debut. I am really quite emotional about it."

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