Gigi Buffon reveals what surprised him about Daniele De Rossi’s coaching style at Roma, why Italy boss Luciano Spalletti is ‘a volcano of ideas’ and names the best goalkeeper in Serie A.
The former shot-stopper hung up his gloves and has now joined CT Spalletti’s staff as chief delegation of the Italy camp.
He spoke to reporters today at the Premio Bulgarelli ceremony and discussed this new chapter to his career.
“I really like Spalletti, as he is like a rushing river, a volcano of ideas. You never lose hope with him, because you know he can always pull something out of the hat in the critical moments,” said Buffon.
They are building up to EURO 2024, with Spalletti taking over from Roberto Mancini in September 2023, midway through the qualifying campaign.
“You never risk the intensity dropping with Spalletti, his way of doing thinks keeps everyone around him on their toes.”
Spalletti has also suggested a get-together of iconic Italy stars including Francesco Totti, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero to help motivate the Azzurri.
“It’s a wonderful idea to stimulate our players, letting them see these symbols of Italian football and what improvements they can aspire to.”
Buffon impressed by De Rossi
Several of the 2006 World Cup winners are now coaches, including Buffon’s old teammate De Rossi, who has taken his dream job at Roma.
“I was certainly not surprised by the man, as I was sure he would create that empathic link with his players, especially at Roma,” added Buffon.
“But if there’s one thing that surprised me, it’s the fine way he managed to read some tactical situations during matches, the way he puts his team out in a way that gets the best out of the individual players. He deserves so much credit for all he is doing.”
Buffon is widely considered perhaps the greatest goalkeeper in history, so who does he see as the best in Serie A at the moment?
“If we look at the number of clean sheets, we cannot avoid mentioning Yann Sommer. Many were surprised by his performances, but not me, I knew he was more than reliable.
“Wojciech Szczesny has also done well, but we have so many good Italian goalkeepers and that really is something that gives us hope. Gigio Donnarumma is our first representative, but we’re well covered in that role.”