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Gianluigi Buffon has expressed his assist for Italian gamers transferring overseas, notably to the Premier League, however feels that Serie A ‘is now not the reference level it as soon as was’.

The Italy and Juventus legend spoke in-depth on plenty of subjects, together with on the nationwide crew, , his potential alternatives, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali throughout an look at a convention in Milan on Tuesday.

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Buffon on Gattuso and Donnarumma

He feels that Gattuso is already rising in confidence in his new position as CT of the Italy nationwide crew, and feels that as a part of his preparations has been a helpful train.

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina pose throughout the press convention at Resort Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photograph by Paolo Bruno/Getty Photos)

“He was actually excited, there’s all the time an emotional side while you get to a job like this,” Buffon stated when requested about Gattuso’s appointment as head coach of the Italy nationwide crew (by way of ).

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“Now, nevertheless, he’s gained confidence and consciousness of what it takes to do that job at his greatest. That is why we’re finishing up this ‘pilgrimage’ to all of the Serie A coaching grounds. We’re nonetheless lacking a number of groups off, however it’s a great way to create bonds with golf equipment and coaches.

“(The belief) is there, and also you all the time want that in our job. You possibly can by no means lack confidence within the crew that we’ve, which is made up of fantastic gamers. This is a crucial start line, now it’s as much as all of us to supply performances worthy of our identify.”

From one Azzurri goalkeeper to a different, Buffon additionally weighed in on the state of affairs surrounding Donnarumma, who’s reportedly after being compelled out of Paris Saint-Germain.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: Gianluigi Donnarumma #1 of Paris Saint-Germain seems to be on following the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 Remaining match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photograph by Dan Mullan/Getty Photos)

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“I’m ready to see Gigio and discuss to him in-person,” Buffon stated.

“I do know the coach has already heard from him a number of occasions, they usually know what his future might seem like relying on his decisions. Aside from this particular second, Donnarumma represents, and can all the time characterize, a power for the nationwide crew.”

Buffon on Italy strikers and gamers transferring away from Serie A

Buffon was requested for his verdict on younger Inter striker Pio Esposito.

“These evaluations are as much as the coach,” he replied.  “The truth that we’re capable of name up a participant like him, given his performances and exponential development, is one thing that makes us proud.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his crew’s first aim with Petar Sucic #8 and Lautaro Martinez #10 throughout the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Area on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photograph by Buda Mendes/Getty Photos)

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“Don’t neglect that we have already got nice gamers in assault like Kean, Retegui and Scamacca, who has recovered from his harm. Gamers of nice worth. We welcome the brand new recruits, however it’s vital to know that we have already got some ensures.”

Buffon went on to clarify why he feels that Italian gamers transferring to the Premier League is of profit to the nationwide crew.

“I feel it’s a optimistic, as a result of you probably have six or seven gamers who play for the very best groups on the planet, it signifies that your nationwide crew might be at an more and more greater stage.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates scoring his crew’s first aim with teammate Declan Rice throughout the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Outdated Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photograph by Michael Regan/Getty Photos)

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“Right now’s soccer has modified, and our evaluations should change in consequence, too. Serie A is now not the reference level it was prior to now, however we’ve change into a stepping stone in relation to different leagues the place gamers can actually ‘arrive’.

Buffon ended with a quick replace on Tonali and his potential availability – or unavailability – for the upcoming September fixtures after his harm towards Liverpool on Monday evening.

“I do know that the coach can have heard from him this morning, after which primarily based on the medical evaluations, we’ll perceive if we’re capable of name him up or not.”