Gianluigi Buffon, legendary former Juventus and Italy goalkeeper, gave an exclusive interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport (as quoted by IlBianconero) in which he discussed Juventus, the club’s future, and several key figures in Italian football.
Buffon began by praising Michele Di Gregorio, who recently stepped into the starting goalkeeper role at Juventus. “I see him doing very well. It wasn’t easy to replace someone like Szczesny, especially for someone in their first season at a big club. What I like most is how he handles tough moments: some people sink, but he holds firm.”
Speaking about Juventus’ recent managerial changes, Buffon expressed regret over the situation with Thiago Motta: “The ownership has its finger on the pulse, I only see things from the outside. I was sorry that in the end Thiago Motta paid the price, as he’s a coach with tremendous talent. Things just didn’t fit together well. I’m curious to see him soon elsewhere: between Spezia and Bologna, he did special things. But Tudor really did a great job.”
Buffon defended Igor Tudor’s performance at Juventus, countering critics who have downplayed his achievements. “When I hear people say he did the bare minimum, I don’t agree. It wasn’t a miracle, but it was great work. You come in after Fiorentina, you have Lazio, Roma, and Bologna on the schedule, and you know you have to secure Champions League qualification. That was not a given.”
On Antonio Conte, Buffon highlighted the coach’s unique ability to inspire his teams: “Antonio is a guarantee, but I’m not so sure he’ll leave Napoli and the warmth of the fans. Maybe the desire for new challenges, the Champions League with Napoli, will convince him to stay. But he makes everyone else feel like stars… That’s the strength of Italy, the ability to transform. That’s Antonio’s strength. And that was one of the best groups I’ve ever been part of.”
