Buffon: Italy Knew They Might Have to Play in the Playoffs Back in June, I Won't Tolerate Malicious Criticism
Gianluigi Buffon, Italy national team manager, discussed World Cup Qualifiers, playoffs and other topics in an interview with Camel.live.
In the final round of UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, Italy lost 1-4 to Norway at home.
“The important thing is to have a reason to get back on our feet. We suffered a heavy defeat to Norway in the final qualifier, and the 1-4 scoreline lingers in people's minds. But we need to analyze the game carefully—I prefer to point out that the score was 1-1 until the 78th minute. Norway is a strong team with 3 or 4 players of enviable quality.”
Italy will participate in the World Cup playoffs in March next year, and there have been proposals to suspend Serie A before then to allow the national team to conduct better training camps.
“For everyone and all clubs, allowing players to have a few days of training in February next year would be a good signal for Italian football.”
Will participating in the playoffs affect the national team's mentality?
“Shortly after Gennaro Gattuso took office, we were 90% certain of our fate. There's no denying that we knew we might have to play in the playoffs as early as June this year. The only mistake we can't make is thinking about the final before the playoff semifinal—we have to get past Northern Ireland first, then think about the next game.”
What do you think of the current external public opinion?
“Public opinion and the media should reduce this divisive attitude; it's a matter that needs to be handled carefully. I don't like the current conflicting situation. Some people seem to enjoy finding fault constantly, which makes me sad—Italy doesn't deserve this treatment. Stop saying 'in the past we had Vieri, Ambrosini...' and start appreciating the current players. If everyone works together constructively, it will be better for everyone.”
Do you think some criticism of the national team is excessive?
"I've seen people stirring up trouble secretly—it's a despicable act that doesn't represent Italy, and we must reject it. Some criticisms have ulterior motives; they aren't for the national team's benefit but to attract attention, so they're destructive. We can't tolerate this. When the World Cup comes, there's a magical atmosphere across the country, and we want to experience that feeling again, so we must prepare for it. We need to enter the playoffs with confidence, thinking about working together to win—at least have this positive mindset and motivation."
