Francesco Bardi has cooled suggestions he could break into the Italian national set-up in time for the 2014 World Cup.
The Livorno youngster is being suggested as a contender to be one of the two back-up ‘keepers for first choice Gigi Buffon.
Francesco Bardi has cooled suggestions he could break into the Italian national set-up in time for the 2014 World Cup.
The Livorno youngster is being suggested as a contender to be one of the two back-up ‘keepers for first choice Gigi Buffon.
“I won’t deny that Buffon is my idol and he will be that forever,” the goalkeeper told Tuttosport on Thursday.
“Someone like him is born once every one thousand years…
“Rather than the World Cup, though, I have to think about Livorno and improving as a player with them as I am still young.
“Anyway, I already have my national side – I have to make sure the Italian Under-21s qualify for the European Championship.”
Bardi, 21, is currently on loan with the Serie A minnows from parent club Inter.