Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon praised the selection of Antonio Conte as the next coach of the Azzurri and said he looks forward to working with him.
The 45-year-old tactician left Juventus by mutual consent in July and was hired on Thursday to coach the national team.
Buffon told La Gazzetto dello Sport that all Italians, regardless of club loyalty, should be excited about this appointment.
“He will be very good for both the footballing movement and also for individuals in the national team,” Buffon said.
“He is a natural fundamentalist, but he also has the intelligence and sensitivity to understand and adapt to situations that are not those of a club.
“Antonio is a winner as a coach and as a character.
“It’s normal that fans of Juventus’ rivals are bitter towards him. But I’m sure 95 per cent of Italians would like to have him coach their team and the same is true for the national team.”
The keeper was also asked about the appointment of Carlo Tavecchio as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
“I have nothing disagreeable to say,” stated Buffon.
“I know him and I think that, at 71, he has great experience on his side.”
Buffon played in two of the Azzurri’s World Cup matches in Brazil and at age 36 has been rumored to be considering retirement at the international level. However, he pushed aside those rumors.
“If I can carry on until 40 and make it to a sixth World Cup, that would really be amazing,” Buffon said. “No one has ever made six World Cups before.”
