Mattia Perin says Gianluigi Buffon “will always be a reference point for everyone” and Gigio Donnarumma won’t be his only competition for the Italy number 1.
The Genoa goalkeeper is the Azzurri’s third choice behind Buffon and Donnarumma, and was expected to battle with the Milan man for the number 1 shirt.
However, it emerged yesterday that Buffon may keep playing beyond this season, and the Grifone ‘keeper discussed that with Sky Italia.
Mattia Perin says Gianluigi Buffon “will always be a reference point for everyone” and Gigio Donnarumma won’t be his only competition for the Italy number 1.
The Genoa goalkeeper is the Azzurri’s third choice behind Buffon and Donnarumma, and was expected to battle with the Milan man for the number 1 shirt.
However, it emerged yesterday that Buffon may keep playing beyond this season, and the Grifone ‘keeper discussed that with Sky Italia.
“Someone with the class of Buffon decides on his own when to stop and say goodbye to the national team,” Perin said.
“As long as he’s competitive with Juventus he’ll remain in the national team and he’ll always be a reference point for everyone.
“Donnarumma? It won’t just be me and him. The Italian goalkeeping school is producing a lot of young talents who are expressing themselves well.
“Can the Genoa goalkeeper be the goalkeeper for the national team? That’s not for me to decide.
“I hope one day to realise my dream and play in the Champions League, it’s a goal I’ve had since I was a child.
“To be the Italy goalkeeper you have to play in ultra competitive teams but now I'm not thinking much about that.”