Italy goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says he is never relaxed about the prospect of penalty shoot-outs.
The Azzurri were victorious the last time they were taken to spot-kicks at a major tournament, when they beat World Cup opponents England in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.
Italy goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says he is never relaxed about the prospect of penalty shoot-outs.
The Azzurri were victorious the last time they were taken to spot-kicks at a major tournament, when they beat World Cup opponents England in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.
However, in an extract of an exclusive interview with Four Four Two, the veteran shot-stopper stressed he always feels under intense pressure to deliver in those situations.
“No, I’m never relaxed against the English,” Buffon said. “I’m never relaxed when the game goes to penalties.
“When you go to penalties you’ve got a 50 per cent chance of winning but a 50 per cent chance of losing.
"I'm one of those handful of goalkeepers who are always expected to save at least one or two of those penalties.
“If I don't do that, I'm going to be judged really harshly by the Press. So no, I can't be relaxed before penalties."
Ahead of Italy’s reunion with the Three Lions in Manaus next Saturday, Buffon also praised his English counterpart Joe Hart.
"I like Joe Hart – he's still young and he can become a great keeper. Among the other young keepers, I really like the Belgian Courtois."