Gigi Buffon has put Champions League upset behind him as Italy face Ivan Rakitic’s Croatia, while Andrea Pirlo “has a decision to make.”
It was Rakitic who opened the scoring for Barcelona’s 3-1 victory last Saturday evening in Berlin and he’s expected to start Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Split.
“What will I say when meeting him again? I will compliment him for being a great player, for his career path and the latest success,” assured Buffon in a Press conference.
Gigi Buffon has put Champions League upset behind him as Italy face Ivan Rakitic’s Croatia, while Andrea Pirlo “has a decision to make.”
It was Rakitic who opened the scoring for Barcelona’s 3-1 victory last Saturday evening in Berlin and he’s expected to start Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Split.
“What will I say when meeting him again? I will compliment him for being a great player, for his career path and the latest success,” assured Buffon in a Press conference.
“I remain proud of the Final and my silver medal. Looking at it will help me to be even more fired up in future if I should be in a game of that level again, either with Juventus or Italy.
“We Juventini are in decent shape. We played the Final five days ago and put in a good performance.
“There was some bitterness at the result, but you leave these things behind, especially when there’s another important game to play soon after.”
Pirlo was particularly upset at the final whistle, fuelling reports it was his last game in a Juventus jersey ahead of a move to America.
“I speak to Pirlo daily and didn’t get any hints. I think Andrea will want to evaluate everything calmly to prepare his future in the best way. He wants to know if he can still ride the wave.
“It’s a decision that needs a few days of meditation.”
Italy drew 1-1 with Croatia in November, as Antonio Candreva’s goal was cancelled out by Ivan Perisic, whose shot squirmed under Buffon’s body.
“I don’t know how I’ll react. Things like that happen sometimes, but it was eight months ago and I’d already forgotten about it.”