FIGC Commissioner Roberto Fabbricini insists there is time for Gianluigi Buffon to receive an Italy swansong.
Tonight’s friendly against the Netherlands was organised at the Juventus Stadium in Turin largely as the final match in an Azzurri jersey for Buffon.
It is hosted in his ‘home’ stadium, but 40-year-old SuperGigi rejected the call-up from new Coach Roberto Mancini.
FIGC Commissioner Roberto Fabbricini insists there is time for Gianluigi Buffon to receive an Italy swansong.
Tonight’s friendly against the Netherlands was organised at the Juventus Stadium in Turin largely as the final match in an Azzurri jersey for Buffon.
It is hosted in his ‘home’ stadium, but 40-year-old SuperGigi rejected the call-up from new Coach Roberto Mancini.
“It would’ve been the final match for Buffon if he had retired from being a football player,” FIGC Commissioner Fabbricini told Rai Sport.
“He is still a player to all effects and therefore these salutes and thanks will be postponed until later down the road.
“I think he still has a strong career ahead of him and he deserves it, as he is a great man as well as a great player.”
Buffon is in advanced negotiations to sign a new two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Instead, Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin is starting for Italy, just days ahead of his transfer to Juventus.