Monday 19 September 2016 13:13, UK
Vincenzo Montella said he is confident teenage goalkeeping sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma will pledge his future to AC Milan amid his agent's claims he should be "in a bigger shop window".
Milan host Lazio on Tuesday in the first of three games in 10 days that could test their resolve to fight for a place in Europe this season, and preparations have been disrupted by uncertainty surrounding Donnarumma.
The 17-year-old goalkeeper is represented by Mino Raiola, the 'super agent' who boasts Paul Pogba, Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among his clients.
In an interview with Rai, Raiola appeared to hint Donnarumma should move to a bigger club, saying: "Gianluigi is a rare jewel, and rare jewels should be displayed in the most beautiful window. Otherwise, what kind of jewel is he?"
Donnarumma will not be showcasing his talents in the Champions League or the Europa League because Milan failed to qualify for Europe this season.
But Montella believes the 'keeper, whose deal with Milan expires in 2018, will remain faithful to the Rossoneri cause, despite reported interest in him from the likes of both Chelsea and Manchester United this summer.
"I'm sure Milan want to keep Donnarumma. Raiola is originally from the south [of Italy], like me and like Donnarumma, so I'm sure he will sign the contract no matter what he [Raiola] says," Montella said on Monday.
"I say that with a smile on my face because Mino is good at his job, the same as the club management at Milan."
At the age of 16 years and eight months, Donnarumma became the youngest goalkeeper to make his competitive debut in Serie A when he started in a 2-1 win over Sassuolo in October 2015.
Relegating experienced Spaniard Diego Lopez to the bench, Donnarumma has since become Milan's No 1 and the heir apparent to Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon.
