Andrea Barzagli rules out returning to the Italy fold, except for possibly a farewell match.
The 36-year-old announced his retirement after the failure to reach the World Cup, but he was asked by Sky if he’d refuse if the new CT asked him to return.
“Honestly I think I’ve done my time as a player for the Italian national team,” Barzagli replied.
“So it’s right to leave. The only way I could possibly be open to it is a farewell match, but honestly I’m not even the type for that kind of thing.
Andrea Barzagli rules out returning to the Italy fold, except for possibly a farewell match.
The 36-year-old announced his retirement after the failure to reach the World Cup, but he was asked by Sky if he’d refuse if the new CT asked him to return.
“Honestly I think I’ve done my time as a player for the Italian national team,” Barzagli replied.
“So it’s right to leave. The only way I could possibly be open to it is a farewell match, but honestly I’m not even the type for that kind of thing.
“I think it’s right to start with a younger national team now, and we have the time for them to grow.
“So let’s hope there’s a revolution, but done in a sensible way.”
Barzagli has come on as a substitute six times in Serie A this season, does Juve’s depth at the back give him more chance to rest?
“Clearly due to my age I can’t play every game. So it’s normal to be rested sometimes. It’s a psychological thing, for me at least.
“Then we have a lot of quality at the back, and there’s trust in everyone. You can see the results, everyone who plays is playing well.”