Antonio Donnarumma

Antonio Donnarumma began his professional football career with AC Milan on 1 July 2008. Initially part of Milan's youth academy, he was promoted to the senior team as a backup goalkeeper. Although he did not break into the first team during his initial stint, this period was crucial for his growth, as training alongside seasoned professionals gave him insight into the demands of top-level football. His association with AC Milan deeply influenced his career trajectory, instilling a strong work ethic and understanding of the game.

On 1 July 2010, Antonio Donnarumma was loaned to Piacenza Calcio, a team competing in Serie B. This loan was seen as an opportunity for Antonio to gain much-needed first-team experience, a crucial step in the development of young goalkeepers. At Piacenza, he was able to play regularly, which helped him refine his skills and increase his confidence in match situations. His performances at Piacenza were instrumental in showcasing his potential to both AC Milan and other clubs and set the stage for his professional growth.

Antonio Donnarumma moved to Calcio Como on 1 July 2012, seeking more regular playing time to further his development. At Como, a club competing in the lower divisions, Antonio was able to become the first-choice goalkeeper, significantly increasing his match exposure. His time at Como was pivotal, as it allowed him to mature as a player, hone his technical abilities, and prove his reliability between the posts. This stint was crucial for his growth, setting up the next stages of his goalkeeping career.

Antonio Donnarumma signed with Asteras Tripolis on 9 July 2013, marking his first venture outside of Italy. Moving to the Greek Super League club was a significant step in his career, offering him the chance to gain international experience and regular playing time. During his time at the club, Antonio became a key player, contributing to their domestic performances and helping Asteras Tripolis reach the Greek Cup final. His experience in Greece was valuable for his development as a goalkeeper and expanded his perspective on international football.

On 26 January 2015, Antonio Donnarumma signed with Genoa CFC, returning to Italy's Serie A after his stint in Greece. Joining Genoa marked a new chapter in his career, providing him with the opportunity to compete in one of Europe's top leagues. During his time at Genoa, Antonio gained experience and improved his skills, although he primarily served as a backup. Nevertheless, his tenure at Genoa helped him maintain a presence in top-flight Italian football and kept him ready for subsequent opportunities.

Antonio Donnarumma signed with AC Milan on 12 July 2017. This move was particularly notable as it brought him to the same club as his younger brother, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was the first-choice goalkeeper for Milan at the time. Antonio's signing was part of a package deal related to his brother's contract renewal, and it was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts who questioned its merit beyond appeasing Gianluigi. Despite this, Antonio's presence in the squad added depth to the goalkeeping position.

On 3 January 2018, Antonio Donnarumma made his debut for AC Milan in a Coppa Italia quarter-final match against Inter Milan. With Gianluigi Donnarumma injured and Marco Storari also unavailable, Antonio was called upon to start the match. Despite initial skepticism about his abilities, Antonio performed admirably, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory after extra time. His performance earned him praise from fans and media, proving his worth as a goalkeeper capable of stepping up during critical times.

On 13 January 2019, Antonio Donnarumma appeared for AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana against Juventus. The match was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and provided Antonio with another opportunity to showcase his abilities. Despite Milan's 1-0 loss, Antonio's performance was praised, as he made several saves to keep his team in contention. Playing against top-tier teams like Juventus offered him invaluable experience and demonstrated his capability to perform under pressure.

On 1 March 2020, Antonio Donnarumma was part of the AC Milan squad that won the Coppa Italia. Although he did not play in the final match, his participation in the tournament as a squad member contributed to the team's success. Being part of the victorious squad added to his career achievements and underscored his role as a reliable backup option for the Rossoneri during their cup campaign. Winning the Coppa Italia marked a significant milestone for Milan, bringing a major trophy back to the club after a few challenging seasons.

On 27 August 2021, Antonio Donnarumma departed AC Milan to join Padova, a club playing in Serie C at the time. His decision to leave was motivated by the desire to find more regular playing time, as he was primarily a backup during his time at AC Milan. Joining Padova offered Antonio the opportunity to become the first-choice goalkeeper and gain valuable match experience. His move was seen as a positive step for his career development, allowing him to play a more integral role in a team's success.