Alessandro Plizzari was the absolute protagonist of the surprising 3-rd place of Italy in the Under 20 World Cup.
The two young goalkeepers have been inseparable but now their paths will differ. Donnarumma has decided not to renew his contract with AC Milan (read here). A misfortune for the rossoneri but a gift for Plizzari, goalkeeper of Primavera and third goalkeeper of the first team. The next big promise from Milan’s academy. For sure he will not be the starting goalkeeper this season. Milan can not afford to put all that pressure into a 17 year old who has not yet played a single match with the first team. Donnarumma who became a starter with the season ongoing should be the example to follow.
Milan’s number 35 arrived at Milan 7 years before Gigio but grew in his shadow. Considered as his heir, Plizzari became part of Milan’s first team this season and in many games was Donnarumma’s substitute accompanying first Gabriel and then Storari . From his substitute to his heir. Plizzari holds the record as the first player born in 2000 to be part of a Serie A team. He used to play on Saturday with the Primavera and on Sunday was at the bench escorting the first team.
Plizzari has played for all youth levels with the national team being recently part of Italy U20. In this years U2o World Cup he was the youngest player of the Italian squad. The starter goalkeeper was Zaccagno who plays for Vercelli but is 3 years older than Plizzari. Italy lost in semifinal against England and in the match for the third spot against Uruguay manager Evani entered Plizzari from the first minute. Italy were not favorites and the match ended in a 0-0 draw. He was the absolute protagonist during of match in the penalty shootout saving 2 out of 3. The biggest match of his career till this moment. Together with Manuel Locatelli and Davide Calabria they are the young players Milan hopes to transform in stars. The rossoneri rejected an offer of 2 million euros from Man City firmly believing in his skills. Milan’s future is in his hands.
