After a rather underwhelming start to their Premier League campaign, Manchester City will turn their attention towards Thursday’s Champions League opener against Serie A champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to prove themselves after their pre-round of 16 playoff exit last season. They have responded by showcasing their financial muscle in the summer, including Champions League winner Donnarumma.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, Donnarumma said: “I’m leaving Mum at home tomorrow night. I’m very attached to the city, I have many friends on and off the team, but I play for City and I hope to win this match. Mum will get over it.”
The £26 million (€30m/$35m) signing has arrived on the back of a historic campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian was perhaps the best goalkeeper in the Champions League, as his heroics went a long way in helping Les Parisiens capture their maiden European title. However, he has started a new chapter at the Etihad, where he has replaced Ederson, who joined Fenerbahce. Given he is among the finest custodians in the world at the moment, he is likely to rise to the challenge. But question marks have already been raised about how he would fit in, considering his profile is completely different to what Guardiola usually prefers.
Guardiola and his troops head into Thursday’s clash riding high on confidence, as they registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over cross-city rivals Manchester United on Sunday. As per the manager, City are “apparently not one of the favourites” to lift the coveted European trophy this season.
