The most likely successors of Donnarumma

PEPE REINA and ALESSANDRO PLIZZARI

Two years ago, unaware whether Donnarumma would stay or not, AC Milan decided to sign Pepe Reina on a free transfer from Napoli. At the time the Rossoneri had little hope in Gigio’s permanence thus decided to bring an experienced goalkeeper.

In his two years at Milan the Spanish shot-stopper has been Gigio’s back-up playing in cup matches. In January, with Milan out of Europa League, Pepe Reina wanted more game time and joined Aston Villa on loan for the remaining of the season.

Thus Pepe Reina became Aston Villa’s starting goalkeeper making 6 appearances until the Coronavirus outbreak. However, Aston Villa don’t have an option on Reina and at the end of the season he will return at Milan. Perhaps this time to replace Gigio for good?

Donanrumma’s breakthrough has come at the expense of Alessandro Plizzari. Unable to earn play time at Milan, Plizzari has been loaned to gain more experience. In the summer AC Milan renewed Alessandro Plizzari’s contract until 2023 in a clear sign that they believed in the 20-year-old Italian.

Plizzari is a regular starter with Livorno in Serie B but perhaps time has come for him to play in the first tier of the Italian league. Last year Plizzari excelled with the Italian national team in the U-20 World Cup.

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