Giampiero Ventura admits he could use Gigi Buffon in his Italy staff after the 2018 World Cup. “Why not?”
The goalkeeper has said he’ll retire after the tournament in Russia, when he will be 40 years old.
Could Buffon be used as a new assist manager for the Azzurri, helping to unite the locker room?
“Why not?” Ventura told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
Giampiero Ventura admits he could use Gigi Buffon in his Italy staff after the 2018 World Cup. “Why not?”
The goalkeeper has said he’ll retire after the tournament in Russia, when he will be 40 years old.
Could Buffon be used as a new assist manager for the Azzurri, helping to unite the locker room?
“Why not?” Ventura told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
“If he’s never worked as a Coach before, then that would be a leap into the unknown. As someone helping the side out and acting as a selector of players, then sure.
“Buffon is a reference point for those on the field and off it – his teammates, the Federation and me. He will decide his path, but it’d certainly be a mistake if Italy didn’t make the most of his presence.”
The Nazionale are battling Spain and Albania for the top of their World Cup qualifying group and go head-to-head on Iberian soil in September 2017.
“We are behind compared to Spain due to the too many friendlies and summer tours that affect pre-season training,” insisted Ventura.
“We will nonetheless put in a great performance in Spain, I am convinced of it. I am more worried by the March encounter with Albania, as we are forced to win that and have only four days to prepare.
“I don’t know if at that stage we’ll be ready to use the 4-2-4 system. If we go to the World Cup, then I’m convinced we’ll surprise many people during that tournament, I have no doubts. The problem, which is true for everyone, is getting there.”