Gigi Buffon blasted Riccardo Montolivo boo boys and assured Italy are “building a new identity” with Giampiero Ventura ahead of the trip to Macedonia.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Skopje on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
It follows on from the 1-1 draw with Spain, which saw Montolivo tear his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for six months.
“I want to start off by wishing Montolivo all the best and a speedy recovery,” said the captain in tonight’s Press conference.
Gigi Buffon blasted Riccardo Montolivo boo boys and assured Italy are “building a new identity” with Giampiero Ventura ahead of the trip to Macedonia.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Skopje on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
It follows on from the 1-1 draw with Spain, which saw Montolivo tear his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for six months.
“I want to start off by wishing Montolivo all the best and a speedy recovery,” said the captain in tonight’s Press conference.
“I also wish to point out that I find it obscene people jeer Montolivo when he plays for the Nazionale, as this is a man who has always given heart and soul for the Italy shirt. He suffered several serious injuries on international duty, but has never held back for his country.”
There was a great deal of criticism after the Spain stalemate, as Italy allowed the Iberians to dominate possession.
“It’s true, for over 60 minutes we were too timorous. My error for the goal shook us up and we saw a different Italy, one that poured forward and refused to give in, even coming close to a victory at the end.
“We are building a new identity with Ventura and therefore need to start from the final 20 minutes against Spain, when we came out with a vehement reaction to going behind. We must start with that attitude rather than wait for a slap to wake us up.
“Macedonia are a decent side and we must treat them with respect, as they are no longer strangers to internationals. A victory would mean a great deal in terms of qualification.”
Buffon was asked how he saw his role shepherding the next generation of Azzurri into a new era.
“It is stimulating to help young players who want to make their mark and that is a big responsibility. However, I am first and foremost here to make saves…”
Being the captain also means dealing with bad behaviour, such as Graziano Pellè refusing to shake Ventura’s hand after he was substituted against Spain.
The Shandong Luneng striker has been dropped because of the incident and didn’t make the trip to Macedonia.
“Graziano was furious with himself, because he knew that was a silly mistake and a disrespectful gesture. We care for him and he is part of the group, but the final decision is down to the Federation and the Coach, of course.
“We players cannot interfere.”