Gianluigi Buffon, former Juventus captain and current head of delegation for the Italian national team, shared his thoughts on various topics during an interview at the WEmbrace Awards. The legendary goalkeeper offered insights on the Italian national team, Igor Tudor’s appointment at Juventus, and the potential roles of former players in the club’s management.
On the Italian National Team
Buffon emphasized the importance of respecting upcoming opponents, particularly Norway, who recently secured a convincing victory. He stated, “We must always look at the glass as half full in these delicate moments, without inventing confidence and relying on our certainties, which for us are the team and the coach leading it.”
Igor Tudor’s Arrival at Juventus
Speaking about the new Juventus coach, Buffon said, “Igor has always been someone who makes his presence felt when he enters a group, both for his physical importance and because he always conveys important ideologies. He likes to interact with the group and will contaminate the environment with positive energy. We wish him luck, which will be needed to achieve results.”
Juventus Squad’s Potential
Buffon expressed his belief in the Juventus squad’s capabilities, saying, “I think Juventus has a team with important technical and moral qualities. The truth is that until now, they haven’t been able to express them fully. We hope, for the sake of Italian football and Juventus, that Tudor will put them in a position to express themselves to the fullest, both technically and morally.”
Potential Roles for Former Players
When asked about Giorgio Chiellini’s potential role at the club, Buffon commented, “Giorgio knows the soul of Juventus deeply. Having experienced it as a protagonist, he has the tools to help and advise those around him to overcome certain difficulties. Like him, there would be others, such as Del Piero, Marchisio, Bonucci, or Barzagli.”
However, Buffon cautioned against relying solely on former players’ reputations, adding, “The truth is that we shouldn’t focus only on the history of a former champion. Being a director means having skills that are not guaranteed after being a great player.”
Buffon’s Future Role
Regarding his own future, Buffon expressed satisfaction with his current role in the national team, saying, “For now, I really enjoy what I do with the national team, and I thank Gravina. I hope I haven’t disappointed the Federation. My only goal is to be happy, dedicating myself to causes that I feel are mine and that excite me.”
On His Son’s Career
Buffon also shared his pride in his son’s recent achievement of scoring for the Czech national team. He explained, “I’m very happy for him, for the boy and for the man he will become. The fact that he scored for the Czech national team is a source of pride. It’s something we analyzed together and thought it was the best thing, considering that the federation had contacted us some time ago. In life, you have to be serious, and I’ve taught that to my son as well.”
