Buffon: 'Spalletti is charismatic coach, we’re different national team compared to Euros'
Italy’s team delegate, Gigi Buffon, has spoken ahead of the Nations League clash between Italy and Germany.
"Italy have an ultra-competitive squad, led by an intelligent and charismatic coach, Luciano Spalletti, and filled with professionals who could play for any national team," Buffon said.
Reflecting on the disappointment of Euro 2024, Buffon added: "We started the tournament well, but then Spain beat us. It was an unexpected shock that dented our confidence because we thought we were already ready to compete at a higher level. We weren’t united; something was missing - I’m not sure exactly what. But it definitely wasn’t quality, even though everyone called me crazy when I said that the day after the Switzerland game. I believed it then, and I still do now."
The journey since that shock has been one of a team rediscovering its conviction: "Now we need to back up the last six months of work across two games against one of the strongest sides. That doesn’t mean we have to beat Germany. It means we need to play at the highest level and go toe-to-toe over 180 minutes. That would be the most important lesson," Gianluigi Buffon said.
