Gigi Buffon is well aware this is his final European Championship and has the experience to enjoy it. “We can prove ourselves.”

Italy open their tournament in Lyon on Monday evening against Belgium at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

“Are Italy weaker than usual? A few representative players had to miss out due to injury. As I am quite experienced, perhaps people put me forward as a more representative figure in this squad,” said the captain in a Press conference.

Gigi Buffon is well aware this is his final European Championship and has the experience to enjoy it. “We can prove ourselves.”

Italy open their tournament in Lyon on Monday evening against Belgium at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

“Are Italy weaker than usual? A few representative players had to miss out due to injury. As I am quite experienced, perhaps people put me forward as a more representative figure in this squad,” said the captain in a Press conference.

“We need the players who have a lot of experience and superior quality to break through the tension and those who are putting their heads in a major tournament for the first time to have that pinch of healthy madness.”

How does Buffon feel being the underdog in a major tournament?

“There are times when you are the hammer and others the anvil. Right now we are second, but that doesn’t mean we feel like sacrificial lambs.

“The real value will be expressed on the pitch and we must cling to that good fortune of being able to prove ourselves in a match situation.

“In a short tournament above all, the best team doesn’t necessarily win, it’s who does better at that moment. We’ve seen some pretty obvious examples of that at the Euros, from Denmark to Greece. We will do everything we can to be good enough.”

Is Thibaut Courtois at age 24 better or worse than Buffon was at that point?

“It’s not nice to make comparisons, especially as I was 24 so long ago that I can’t even remember! I am sure that I had and am continuing to have an important career. Now I am 38, I’m as happy as I was when I was 24 and in fact even more aware of it than I was then and mentally much stronger.

“As for Courtois, I can only say that at this moment he is a reference point for those who want to become a goalkeeper, as he is an exceptional talent.

“It is my final European Championships, but I don’t feel nostalgia or inhibition, but rather a lot of enthusiasm. At this age I know what it means to take part and to have the honour of wearing the shirt of my country.

“Whatever our journey will be in this competition, I want there to be no regrets. In some events we returned home without knowing why or if we had truly given our all. In this case I believe we are truly giving heart and soul for our nation and our Coach.”

Eden Hazard said he would love to play alongside Buffon one day and appreciates him the most.

“It might be difficult to play together, but his comment makes me very proud! He is one of the few players in Europe who can really make the difference, as he has this innate and explosive talent. At Belgium and Chelsea, he is considered the Number One danger man. With a single move, he can win you the game.”

Fan violence continued today between Germany and Ukraine supporters in Lille.

“It is something deplorable that stains a tournament that ought to be about joy and festivities, especially as for everyone’s security in Europe it has been a difficult build-up,” continued Buffon.

“I find it strange and very serious that people don’t feel the sense of civic pride to enjoy football with their fellow fans and enjoy the liberty of being able to cheer on a team in peace.”

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