Gianluigi Buffon is still in line to face England and Argentina

Italy are coming to England

Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after losing to Sweden over two legs.

Gigi Buffon was unable to hold back the tears when Sweden prevented Italy from qualifying for their 19th World Cup tournament.

Buffon, who turned 40 in January, had planned on retiring at the end of the current season after winning the World Cup with Italy.

The Juventus goalkeeper is Italy’s most capped ever player and World Cup glory would have been the perfect way to end his incredible career.

But, it wasn’t to be, and after Italy’s failure to qualify for the tournament, many assumed that Buffon would retire from international football.

However, Buffon confirmed that he will be available for selection for Italy’s two matches in the international break against Argentina and England. (Goal)

Buffon explained:

“I feel a sense of responsibility at this time of transition for our national team”

“There will be two important friendly matches. I thought about going on holiday with my family, but if the national team needs me I have to answer that I am ready and I can not desert.”

“I am doing this for loyalty and responsibility, without thinking about what will be my future. The players who have experience at the moment could be useful against Argentina and England.”

Italy’s interim coach Luigi Di Biagio explained:

“I talked to Buffon to find out if he wanted to continue. It’s not fair that his last game should be the one against Sweden. I proposed he should come back for one, two or three games. Gigi will probably be there in March.”

Some people think that Buffon’s time as Italy No.1 is over and Gianluigi Donnarumma should be starting goal for the national side.

It would be a shame for Buffon’s international career end in such a miserable manner and perhaps a game at Wembley, the home of football, could prove to be more suitable.

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