Italy captain Gigi Buffon urged Antonio Conte to stay beyond Euro 2016 and revealed his partner is expecting a baby boy.
The goalkeeper spoke to La Domenica Sportiva from the Azzurri training camp after a 3-1 friendly defeat to Belgium.
“I think the group Conte picked is already giving the response he wanted, so I hope this love affair can continue and reap rewards for Italy,” said Buffon.
Italy captain Gigi Buffon urged Antonio Conte to stay beyond Euro 2016 and revealed his partner is expecting a baby boy.
The goalkeeper spoke to La Domenica Sportiva from the Azzurri training camp after a 3-1 friendly defeat to Belgium.
“I think the group Conte picked is already giving the response he wanted, so I hope this love affair can continue and reap rewards for Italy,” said Buffon.
“We must hope Italy have a good Euros so that the rapport with the Coach continues. It’s true we lost to Belgium, but we played on the same level as one of the strongest sides in the world.”
The terror attacks in Paris, including failed suicide bombings that were meant to occur inside the Stade de France, raise serious questions about next summer’s tournament.
“The events in Paris hit you right in the heart and make you feel unprepared, exposed. Everyone says we mustn’t be afraid and that’s the right phrase, but in the end it’s not the reality. It is up to the Government to give us the sense of safety, they are the ones who reassure us citizens.
“Meanwhile, we must all stick together, not just institutions, but our next door neighbours. I agree with the decision to go ahead with England-France on Tuesday, as football is and must remain an instrument of togetherness, beauty, joy and peace.”
The Juventus shot-stopper is expecting a baby with Sky Sport Italia presenter Ilaria D’Amico and had hoped for a girl after two boys from a previous marriage.
“It’s a boy. I don’t even need the scans now, I only get boys! We are very happy.”