Maresca: Donnarumma's place in the squad is not up for debate

Manchester City's backup goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli made two saves in the penalty shootout of the EFL Cup match against Brighton. The team that won the shootout 4-3 advanced to the quarter-finals. Rulli's decisive role in the win has brought the goalkeeper debate back into the spotlight.

After the match, a reporter asked whether Rulli's performance could put pressure on Gigio Donnarumma. Head coach Enzo Maresca said that was definitely not the case. Maresca stressed that Rulli had worked well but knew his role exactly, and he said there was no doubt about who the first-choice goalkeeper is.

Donnarumma, captain of the Italian national team, has just started his second season at Manchester City. In the 12 club matches he has played this season, he has conceded 17 goals and kept four clean sheets. The former Milan player made his debut for the Italian national team ten years ago under Gian Piero Ventura and has since made 87 appearances for the Azzurri.

Donnarumma's contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until June 2030. The Premier League club also has the option to extend it by one more season. This suggests that Donnarumma is part of the club's long-term plans.