Gianluigi Buffon feels the EURO 2024 group is reminiscent of the one Italy got through at EURO 2012, when they reached the Final. ‘I don’t know how many teams are really stronger than us.’
The reigning Champions of Europe are placed in the same group as Spain, Croatia and Albania at the competition in Germany next summer.
Buffon, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and after retirement has become the Delegation Chief for the Nazionale.
He was also one of the legends present in Hamburg to help perform the draw for the group phase today and above all had to place the European Championship trophy back up for grabs.
“It was wonderful putting that trophy back in the circle, as we feel pride and responsibility going into this competition as reigning champions,” Buffon told RAI Sport.
“Seeing as we were in Pot 4, a tough draw was always going to be probable. This group is a bit like the one we had at EURO 2012 with Spain, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland. We went through second that time and reached the Final. In the format this time, the four best third-placed sides qualify too, so that increases our chances.
“We are concerned, but the other teams won’t be jumping for joy at drawing Italy either.”
It is an Italy side in flux, as Roberto Mancini won EURO 2020 in the summer of 2021, delayed by a year due to the pandemic, but then resigned in August and was only replaced by Luciano Spalletti on September 1.
“There will be time until June for this team to improve. In terms of individuals, there are 3-4 teams in the competition who have stronger squads, but when we are working as a single unit, with one mind, I don’t know how many teams are really stronger than us.”
The opening fixture is against Albania in Dortmund on June 15, then Spain in Gelsenkirchen on June 20 and the final group game is with Croatia on June 24 in Leipzig.
“Obviously, we take nothing for granted. Albania are in a very tough group, but deserve respect not just from us, but also from Spain and Croatia.”
what is he talking about we are done go home early spain croatia they want us in there group
Spain will be tough no question but I am not sold or worried about Croatia they are not the same team as they once was. They are old and barely beat Armenia and have no goal scorers. Other than Spain, Croatia and Albania are more than beatable!
Forza Italia!
Buffon has lost his mind. Has he seen the state of us?
all the teams are strong before they play let them to play and then we’ll see.
Not many teams stronger than Italy??? What’s he smoking? I hope he’s right🤞
Of course he hope for the best , but you never know as Italy could be turning up . We wait and see , thanks to Luciano Spalletti