Gigi Buffon insists the defeat to Costa Rica “changes nothing” for Italy’s final group match against Uruguay.

“At the end of the day we hoped to do better and to do what we had prepared to make life difficult for Costa Rica,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.

Gigi Buffon insists the defeat to Costa Rica “changes nothing” for Italy’s final group match against Uruguay.

“At the end of the day we hoped to do better and to do what we had prepared to make life difficult for Costa Rica,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.

“Instead we had a few more problems than anticipated and after taking the lead Costa Rica controlled the situation well.”

This is Buffon’s fifth World Cup campaign and it was his first appearance of the tournament, having missed the 2-1 win over England with a sprained ankle.

“You get back on your feet by looking on the bright side, which is that even a draw wouldn’t have changed anything, as we still needed a draw against Uruguay,” assured the captain.

“In fact, even a victory would’ve left us needing a point to be absolutely sure. Costa Rica’s qualification was a shock for those who take some things for granted and think there are still weak teams in a World Cup.

“For several years now we have realised there’s no such thing as a Cinderella side in major tournaments.”

Italy can still qualify with a draw against Uruguay, as they are in front on goal difference, but England have been eliminated.

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