Mattia Perin feels like 'a leader' at Genoa, but admits 'Gigi Buffon will rightly start at the next World Cup'.
The 23-year-old is considered among Italy's most promising young goalkeepers, but he skipped Euro 2016 after picking up an injury in a clash with Ezequiel Munoz.
“He already apologised,” Perin said of his teammate, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. “These things happen. I hope I can fight by his side in other battles.
Mattia Perin feels like 'a leader' at Genoa, but admits 'Gigi Buffon will rightly start at the next World Cup'.
The 23-year-old is considered among Italy's most promising young goalkeepers, but he skipped Euro 2016 after picking up an injury in a clash with Ezequiel Munoz.
“He already apologised,” Perin said of his teammate, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. “These things happen. I hope I can fight by his side in other battles.
“The rehabilitation program was tough, as was the loss of the Nazionale. It was hurtful, especially after the trouble it took me to come back from the injury to my shoulder. Watching the Azzurri from the couch made me suffer, but they did great.
“Fortunately I've come back in less than the standard time, thanks to a lot of work as well as the help of doctor Pier Paolo Mariani.
“Now I just have to work hard to impress my Coaches. I already collaborated with [Genoa's Ivan] Juric in the youth team. He has some clear ideas and a strong personality, if we follow him we'll do well.
“Buffon? As a child I imitated him even in my hairstyle and my gloves, but growing up everyone finds their own style.
“I always learn something from him after every training. Gigi will rightly retain the Azzurri shirt until the next World Cup.”
Perin then went on to discuss Genoa, where he worked with the goalkeeper trainer Gianluca Spinelli.
“He's a great professional, always up to speed. And there's synergy with our youth sectors here. Those who progress to the next team already know what the Coach expects.
“Gian Piero Gasperini? He was a football maestro. He used the carrot and the stick with me.
“I feel like a leader in the locker room after all the years I've spent here at Genoa and after everything I've given on the pitch. Otherwise it means I didn't leave much of an impression.”