Gigi Buffon discussed the Coppa Italia Final between Juventus and Milan as a reflection of Italian society. “Italy cannot be mediocre.”
The Coppa Italia Final is in Rome on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
As part of the build-up, both teams visited the Quirinale to speak with President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.
Gigi Buffon discussed the Coppa Italia Final between Juventus and Milan as a reflection of Italian society. “Italy cannot be mediocre.”
The Coppa Italia Final is in Rome on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
As part of the build-up, both teams visited the Quirinale to speak with President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.
Inevitably, the mood reflected the recent controversy both in Italian football and in politics, where yesterday Mattarella warned there could be new elections if the various warring parties don’t reach an agreement to form a coalition government.
“We are here to represent Italian football for what will be a simple Coppa Italia Final, but also a tournament that has been re-evaluated in recent years,” the Juventus captain declared.
“This is a simple comparison to understand that, when there are ideas and emotion, you can make something beautiful even when it is in decline.
“Italian football and institutions did well. We know what it means to represent Juventus and Milan, what it will mean to play in front of millions of passionate fans.
“We hope for a marvellous spectacle, and we promise effort and fairness. We’ll be the first to shake hands with the winners if they should be the Rossoneri and I hope the same would happen vice versa.
“Gestures of friendship are not just good for men of football, but for society as a whole. There are a few problems on a political level, that is not my business, but Italians ask everyone to make them proud and to have faith of a prosperous future in all areas.
“We deserve that for our history and we all owe it to ourselves. Italy cannot be mediocre. It has always shown excellence and must continue to do so, that is why we are relying on people with real values.”