Gigi Buffon realises Italy have to improve against Bulgaria, but hinted at retirement. “I am not aiming to reach 200 caps!”
On Sunday evening the Azzurri host Bulgaria at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo for Euro 2016 qualifying.
It will be the 37-year-old goalkeeper’s 150th cap for his country.
Gigi Buffon realises Italy have to improve against Bulgaria, but hinted at retirement. “I am not aiming to reach 200 caps!”
On Sunday evening the Azzurri host Bulgaria at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo for Euro 2016 qualifying.
It will be the 37-year-old goalkeeper’s 150th cap for his country.
“I will admit, that’s a lot of games,” smiled Buffon in a Press conference. “I hope to be ready and play other games at a high level. Whether it’s another two, 10 or 30, we’ll have to see, but I am not aiming to reach 200 caps! I won't go beyond the age of 40.
“The great thing about the Nazionale is every time it feels new. It’s wonderful to become more mature and become aware of what this means. You cannot be arrogant or snobbish with that awareness.
“In these 18 years with Italy I’ve witnessed peaks of enthusiasm and troughs of disinterest. I think this also reflects the mood of society and the country. Fans now are accustomed to seeing big events all the time, so they feel it’s ok to miss some and instead of watching the big event will go out for a pizza.”
Italy were also criticised for their performance in the 1-0 victory over Malta on Thursday, but they are top of Group H after Croatia drew 0-0 in Azerbaijan.
“In this group there’s a situation with two or three teams fighting it out for qualification to the end, so naturally I hope Italy will be where they belong in Euro 2016.
“Every time we have played small sides, there has always been criticism. The media and fans always look to the number of goals scored, but it’s not easy to net against a team that focuses only on defending.
“It was not the Italy performance of the decade against Malta, but nor was it very negative. We won 1-0, but we know that we have to improve.”