How Buffon’s speech impressed Italy debutants

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 24: Gianluigi Buffon of Italy arrives before the International Friendly match between Ecuador and Italy at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Both Marco Brescianini and Caleb Okoli admit that Gigi Buffon’s speech impressed them and the rest of the team ahead of Nations League games against France and Israel.

Italy are training at Coverciano ahead of Nations League games against France and Israel and a Gigi Buffon speech impressed the team, especially debutants.

Brescianini and Okoli, who have received senior call-ups for the first time, mentioned Buffon’s speech during their press conferences on Tuesday.

“As the coach and Buffon said, what we need to prove is personality and have all the same mentality. Putting in personality is the most important thing,” said Okoli.

“I am convinced everyone will change their mind about the national team. He [Buffon] said we must do anything to represent this country in the best way and I am convinced that we’ll make it.”

 

“I’ve had positive feelings after the coach and Buffon’s speech. Everyone is motivated,” admitted Brescianini.

“We want to put aside the past period, taking into account the errors of the past. Now it’s up to us; we must honour the shirt and give it our all.”