Gianluigi Buffon reveals he was livid at the final whistle of a 2-1 win over Germany. “We can’t play with fire after a performance like that.”
The Azzurri had dominated the match, but conceded a late penalty and risked throwing away their 2-0 lead.
Gianluigi Buffon reveals he was livid at the final whistle of a 2-1 win over Germany. “We can’t play with fire after a performance like that.”
The Azzurri had dominated the match, but conceded a late penalty and risked throwing away their 2-0 lead.
“We are playing for something unique and totally prestigious, so it’s not right with the performance we put in to risk it in the last five minutes and play with fire.
“If they had scored with a lucky ricochet for 2-2, we’d end up losing in extra time 9-2. We are playing in the Euros here and cannot take it lightly.
“I always evaluate performances and attitudes rather than strictly wins or losses. We are still young, apart from a few old men in the squad, and need to learn. It’s only right for the old men to tell them off and stir up trouble.
“We played a great game and could’ve won with a larger result, but there were times when we were even and made the most of incidents. It doesn’t take much to change a match. It went well for us tonight.”
Buffon made a sensational save on Sami Khedira and Mario Balotelli scored moments later.
“For a goalkeeper like me I think it was a good response, but it’s nothing new. I’m sorry if someone is surprised… There were two or three ricochets that we were lucky with and must be honest to evaluate everything not just the result.
“I know there are many people who love me and I try to repay them with performances. I will smile when we’ve won and we haven’t done that yet.”
The goalkeeper also revealed how he prepared for the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany.
“I barely slept, but did not study our opponents, I spent an hour and a half watching YouTube clips of the celebrations in the streets in Italy after our victory over England. That gave me goosebumps and I can only imagine what’s happening now.”