Buffon: ‘Mancini is responsible for Italy’s exclusion from the World Cup’

When it comes to the Italy national team, Gigi Buffon’s opinion probably counts more than anyone considering the 44-year-old goalkeeper is the record-holder for the Squadra Azura, having worn the crested shirt 176 times.

On the course of which and the blockade of North Macedonia on the way to Qatar stadiums, he was approached in an interview with Stampa and he didn’t want to make … rounds, with the experienced goalkeeper talking about his absence motivate and Roberto Mancini a Ascribe joint responsibility for the image of the Azzurri.

“When Slovakia knocked us out at the 2010 World Cup, I realized things were changing and that we should have celebrated qualifying for the finals. Since then we’ve had delusions, glorious moments like at Euro 2020, but I haven’t felt myself wrong .

“We are unique, we know how to come together in difficult times but if we don’t have the great motivation we can lose to any team now.”characteristically noted Buffon, adding meaningfully:

“Mancini was the main architect for our renaissance, with success at the Euro. However, he also bears a responsibility after the big failure. There are many ways to be left out.

“Nobody would have said anything if Italy had been knocked out on penalties by Portugal, but after losing to North Macedonia it’s much more difficult to start again.”