Gianluigi Buffon chose the morning of the season’s most anticipated fixture to deliver his most extensive and revealing interview of recent months — speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport on the day of the Milan match, covering everything from his most vivid Juventus-Milan memory to his verdict on the summer’s signings, his relationship with Vicario, and the question of his own footballing future.
“My Image of Juve-Milan Is Manchester — the 2003 Champions League Final”
The interview opened with the memory that defined a generation of Italian football. “The first match at San Siro: Shevchenko scored an unrepeatable goal — I do not even know how much of it was intentional. Something extraordinary. But obviously, the image I have of Juve-Milan is Manchester — the Champions League final of 2003.” It is the image that will always define the fixture for him: the night in the Stadio Olimpico di Manchester when Juventus and Milan met in Europe’s greatest club match, and the penalty shootout that broke Buffon’s heart.
“Juventus Start More Advantaged — the Directors and Spalletti Have Operated Very Well”
On the competitive balance between the two clubs on the day of the match, Buffon was unequivocally positive about Juventus’s position. “Milan can count on the enthusiasm of novelty: a new project, a new manager, new players — and they can ride on the wings of that enthusiasm. When you change a great deal, however, time is needed to find the right shape. Juventus start more advantaged — benefiting from nine months of Spalletti’s work and a transfer market that was directed in part by Luciano himself. The directors and Spalletti have operated really well.”
“Woltemade — I Want to See If He Will Be Dominant. He Can Have the Same Impact as a Young Ibrahimović”
The question of the summer’s final signing — and the Ibrahimović comparison that has followed him since his arrival — received a definitive endorsement from the man who shared a dressing room with both at Juventus at different points in time. “I am curious about Woltemade. I want to see whether, with his physique, his 198 centimetres combined with excellent technique, he will be as dominant as I expect.” On the parallel with Ibra: “I would say yes. Woltemade in Italian football in recent years can be a real added value.” He went on: “I hope it is Conceição who makes the difference tonight. And above all Kolo Muani — unlocking himself in a match like this would be ideal.” If he ran into Kolo at a restaurant? “I would tell him: score, score, score!”
“Spalletti Is Like Merlin the Wizard — He Has the Ability to Transform Players Into Champions”
The tribute to the Juventus manager was one of the interview’s most vivid passages. “Spalletti is like Merlin the Wizard — he has the art and the ability to transform players into champions, to make great champions emerge. He is a very intelligent person. I admire him a great deal.”
“I Gave Vicario Just One Piece of Advice — Enjoy the Experience. Playing for Juventus Is a Privilege”
On his relationship with his successor between the Juventus posts: “To Vicario I gave only one piece of advice: enjoy this experience. Playing for the Juventus is a privilege — I know it, having experienced it for many years. I told him: live it to the full, because the moment you stop doing that it becomes a weight. Make it the most beautiful experience of your life — and the results will follow.”
On Grabara as his backup: “Grabara is more than a reserve. I remember a great Champions League season he had with Copenhagen. He is a strong goalkeeper who can play regularly at a high level.”
“The Zenica Penalty Shootout — I Have a Great Capacity to Eliminate Sad Memories”
On Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup — his final act as head of delegation for the Azzurri, lost on penalties against Bosnia in Zenica: “I have a tremendous capacity to eliminate sad and negative experiences from my mind. I am optimistic and trusting by nature — which is probably why the only penalties I revisit in my sleep are those of the triumph of Berlin 2006. The Bosnia defeat is a deep and burning disappointment. But my way of living through and surviving these burns is to overcome them with something beautiful and majestic.”
“Two Paths for My Future — One of Which Involves Juventus”
On what comes next for Buffon himself after stepping down from the national team role: “I have two paths in mind. One involves the world of Juventus. One does not. Both are interesting. I will evaluate them calmly and make the right choice at the right time.” It is, characteristically, the most controlled form of revelation — enough to confirm that the possibility of returning to the club in a formal capacity is real and being actively considered, without committing to a timeline or a role. For Juventus supporters, it is a prospect to savour. For Buffon himself, it is unfinished business with the institution that has defined his life.
