Italians in the Premier League: Donnarumma's Derby Heroics, Tonali's Struggles

Four Premier League matches in, and Italian players in England are seeing contrasting fortunes. Riccardo Calafiori and Gianluigi Donnarumma found success with teams at the top of the table, while Sandro Tonali's Tottenham side is still searching for their first goal and win. Honest Ahanor made his top-flight debut in a loss, and Michael Kayode, Michele Di Gregorio, and Matteo Ruggeri saw limited or no game time from the bench.

Riccardo Calafiori – Arsenal

Returning to the starting lineup after missing the midweek Champions League match, Calafiori was among four changes Mikel Arteta made for the away game at Sunderland. He played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory. Bruno Guimarães scored in the second half, and Bukayo Saka converted a penalty in stoppage time. This win marked Arsenal's fourth consecutive victory, placing them at the top of the league with a perfect record.

Gianluigi Donnarumma – Manchester City

A crucial afternoon unfolded at Old Trafford. Donnarumma's save in stoppage time from Bryan Mbeumo secured Manchester City's 1-0 derby triumph. Erling Haaland's goal in the second half proved decisive after Phil Foden received a red card in the 23rd minute. Manchester City played over an hour with ten men and still managed to win. Donnarumma's clean sheet keeps them level with Arsenal at the summit, trailing only by a single goal in the goals-against column.

Honest Ahanor – Crystal Palace

The youngster's first Premier League start proved challenging. Ahanor was part of the three-man defense at Selhurst Park as Palace lost 3-2 to Ipswich. Zian Flemming scored the winning goal in the 90th minute against ten men, following Axel Disasi's first-half red card. Ahanor showed glimpses of promise, drawing a yellow card after carrying the ball into midfield and later delivering a cross from the left that found Quentin Timber.

Sandro Tonali – Tottenham

Another goalless outcome. Tonali partnered Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield as De Zerbi's Tottenham drew 0-0 at home against Everton. This second consecutive goalless draw leaves them with two points and no goals scored in their opening four Premier League matches. Their scoring drought now extends beyond 400 minutes. The home crowd expressed their dissatisfaction at the final whistle.

Michael Kayode – Brentford

Twenty minutes on the pitch and a point earned. Kayode came on for Aaron Hickey in the 71st minute at the Vitality Stadium with the score tied at 2-2. Kevin Schade's brace had twice overturned Bournemouth's leads. Brentford remains undefeated with six points from four games, though a third straight draw suggests a team struggling to convert chances.

Michele Di Gregorio – Bournemouth

An unused substitute once again, with Djordje Petrovic retaining his place. It was a difficult match to watch from the sidelines, particularly after Petrovic's costly error led to Brentford's equalizer. Bournemouth is still seeking their first win under Marco Rose. Di Gregorio may not get many clearer opportunities to make his case.

Matteo Ruggeri – Aston Villa

Named on the bench and remained there as Villa lost 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest. Liam Delap and Igor Jesus scored for the visitors, with Alysson netting Villa's equalizer in the 74th minute. Unai Emery's team has had a poor start to the season, and Ruggeri has yet to break into the regular starting eleven.