Gigi Buffon believes Argentina are World Cup favourites along with Brazil, Germany and Spain, but Italy are “in a reconstruction phase.”
The 40-year-old goalkeeper made some big saves in last night’s friendly in Manchester, but the Azzurri still lost 2-0 to the Seleccion.
“We have to tip our hats to Argentina, as they put in a fine performance,” Buffon told South American reporters.
Gigi Buffon believes Argentina are World Cup favourites along with Brazil, Germany and Spain, but Italy are “in a reconstruction phase.”
The 40-year-old goalkeeper made some big saves in last night’s friendly in Manchester, but the Azzurri still lost 2-0 to the Seleccion.
“We have to tip our hats to Argentina, as they put in a fine performance,” Buffon told South American reporters.
“It could’ve ended in a draw, 0-0, 1-1 or 2-2, but they managed to convert their chances and we did not. Italy are in a reconstruction phase after failing to qualify for the World Cup. It’s an unusual moment in history, but in another era Italy-Argentina would’ve been a World Cup semi-final or even Final.
“Argentina have immense potential, with great players in attack and some very strong defenders too. They are one of the candidates to win the trophy this summer along with Brazil, Germany and Spain.”
Buffon denied his Juventus teammate Gonzalo Higuain, but Paulo Dybala was left at home by Coach Jorge Sampaoli.
“We are happy to have him at Juve and I have no doubts Dybala will be at the World Cup. Higuain is a champion and his return to the national team is absolutely deserved.”