Italy's Salvatore Sirigu says there is no battle between himself and Gigi Buffon for the Azzurri’s goalkeeping spot.
Italy's Salvatore Sirigu says there is no battle between himself and Gigi Buffon for the Azzurri’s goalkeeping spot.
The PSG shot-stopper stepped in for his captain when the Juventus” data-scaytid=”7″>Juventus number one suffered injury in the days leading up to the team’s World Cup win over England.
However, speaking at a Press conference today, the 27-year-old said he was looking forward to seeing Buffon return.
“The future for me is only the next game,” Sirigu said. “In the national team you don’t think about having a precise role, you are just happy to be there.
“For an Italian it’s always something more because everyone feels Italian, it’s good to be part of this group. I’m not thinking about replacing Buffon.
“I don’t know whether it’s a mistake, but it’s not the reality. Buffon is first choice, he is not just a player but something more.
“As far as I am concerned, it’s not a battle between me and him. In the national team everyone has to give the good they have inside them.
“I think I have given my contribution to Italy and I am happy to have done it.
“Sometimes you have to be realistic and look at who is alongside you.
“I am relaxed and calm, I don’t know whether I will play [against Costa Rica]. We’re all hoping Buffon will be back and that he will be on the pitch.
“We want him back not only in the dressing room, but also on the pitch for his quality and charisma.”