National team, Gianluigi Buffon makes mea culpa and sets new goal
Interviewed by ‘Sky Sport‘ on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Moldova in Reggio Emilia, Gianluigi Buffon spoke about Luciano Spalletti’s pre-announced farewell to the national team, not only expressing all his esteem for the coach from Certaldo, but also giving space for a harsh judgment towards himself.
“My task was to stand by the coach and the team, demonstrating that I have skills in this regard– said the head of the Italian national soccer team delegation. Perhaps I haven’t done it well so far: rather than unbalancing myself on the new coach, a matter that will be taken care of by President Gravina, it is right for me to focus on my job”.
“With Spalletti there’s been great transparency, for me he–s a great man,– Buffon added -We met and told each other what we thought, the decision came as a result. From the human point of view, he is a wonderful person, he has shown that even on this difficult occasion. We take this risk, knowing it is the best choice for everyone”.
With Luciano Spalletti at its helm from September 2023, Italy gained a pass for Euro 2024, however, stopping in the round of 16 of the continental event in the face of Switzerland. In the Nations League, on the other hand, the Azzurri made it to the quarterfinals, but were eliminated in the doubleheader last March by Germany.
