Gianluigi Donnarumma, 16, starts for AC Milan against Sassuolo.

What happened?

He becomes the youngest goalkeeper to start a Serie A match.

AC Milan's manager Sinisa Mihajlovic decides to sit Diego Lopez.

Why it matters for Gianluigi Donnarumma

Donnarumma's debut is a bold move by Mihajlovic.

Gianluigi Buffon was 17 when he made his debut for Parma.

What comes next?

Donnarumma is expected to get playing time as Milan's third goalkeeper.

He stands at 6-foot-4 and has already impressed in preseason.

Donnarumma made Milan's final squad for the season behind Christian Abbiati and Lopez.

The match against Sassuolo is on Sunday.

Mihajlovic's decision to start Donnarumma shows confidence in the young player.

Donnarumma dazzled onlookers in preseason with saves during penalty kicks against Real Madrid.

He won the confidence of Mihajlovic after a spotty performance by Lopez against Torino.