Gigi Buffon doubts he’ll start for Italy against the Republic of Ireland, but praised their team spirit. “We’re usually panicking at this point.”
The Azzurri are already sure of first place in Group E regardless of the result in Lille tomorrow evening.
“Little changes for us, as if we lack determination and grit, then we risk taking steps backward and we cannot afford that,” said the goalkeeper in a Press conference.
Gigi Buffon doubts he’ll start for Italy against the Republic of Ireland, but praised their team spirit. “We’re usually panicking at this point.”
The Azzurri are already sure of first place in Group E regardless of the result in Lille tomorrow evening.
“Little changes for us, as if we lack determination and grit, then we risk taking steps backward and we cannot afford that,” said the goalkeeper in a Press conference.
“We constructed a privileged position for ourselves, but know full well what we had to do to get here. We must continue in that vein.
“It is not normal for Italy to have a few extra days to prepare for the next round! In general going into the third game of the group phase we are panicking at this point.
“It is a privilege we earned and deserved, so now we need to make the most of it. For the lads to have eight or nine days of solid work specifically aimed on fitness levels will be extremely useful going forward.”
Buffon has now recovered from a bout of flu, but Salvatore Sirigu is still expected to start tomorrow.
“I am fine, I was ill for three to four days. I don’t think I’ll play tomorrow, but that’s how it should be.”
The Juventus shot-stopper also had high praise for Coach Antonio Conte.
“If you want to believe in a result that comes from hard work, suffering and sweat, then he is the ideal Coach for putting together a group and setting the team out on the field.
“There are many peculiarities that are special about the boss. Clearly the lads also need to be at his disposal, even those who don’t play.
“Leading into the tournament, the predictions were not good and suggested an immediate return home. Fortunately, it didn’t go that way and this situation pricked our pride, prompting us to give more.
“We had one single way of thinking and working, banding together as a group to amaze people and get results. It’s difficult to compare with other Italy tournaments I’ve been at, but it is one of the best team spirits.
“Don’t forget that in 2006 and 2012, but also the 2013 Confederations Cup, we went forward thanks to the strength of the group.”