Luigi Di Biagio admits Gianluigi Buffon’s presence in the Italy set-up is ‘crucial’ as the goalkeeper has a role to play “off the pitch”.
Buffon was reportedly annoyed by Di Biagio’s remarks that his Italy career did not have to end with the playoff defeat to Sweden, but the Azzurri caretaker made it clear “everything’s fine” with the Juventus veteran.
“There’s nothing to say about Buffon,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
Luigi Di Biagio admits Gianluigi Buffon’s presence in the Italy set-up is ‘crucial’ as the goalkeeper has a role to play “off the pitch”.
Buffon was reportedly annoyed by Di Biagio’s remarks that his Italy career did not have to end with the playoff defeat to Sweden, but the Azzurri caretaker made it clear “everything’s fine” with the Juventus veteran.
“There’s nothing to say about Buffon,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s all good with him, and as for the question of whether I’ll call him up, Gigi will give me an answer.
“Still, as for first impressions, he’s thrilled to come and give me a hand on and off the pitch. “It’s a problem that doesn’t exist and one that makes me laugh because I can’t deny something that doesn’t exist.
“What I said was clear: Buffon’s time in Azzurro didn’t have to end with Sweden, and I need him on and off the pitch.
“We’ll see how many games he can play, it’s not a problem, but his presence is crucial. Someone has enjoyed fabricating a problem that never existed.
“On Friday, after having watched a news story on TV, I called Buffon because there were some inaccuracies that bothered me.
“Still, I repeat that I can’t deny something that doesn’t exist. Everything’s fine with Gigi, we’re in sync.”