Buffon unexpectedly returns, Conte is the number 1 candidate to lead the Italian team
Gianluigi Buffon says he has accepted to play for Italy in upcoming friendlies against Argentina and Brazil after interim coach Di Biagio said he wanted him in the two friendlies he was in charge of before the Azzurri appointed a permanent coach.
Buffon appeared to be considering retiring from international football after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but he is expected to defend the Azzurri goal in the next two friendlies after telling Mediaset he could not refuse an offer to play for the national team.
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| Goalkeeper Buffon has retired from football. Photo: Internet |
“I still feel I have a responsibility and I have to show my loyalty to the national team. I was planning to take a few days off, but when the Azzurri need you, you can’t say no.” In another development, Chelsea coach Antonio Conte is considered the number 1 choice to succeed Gian Piero Ventura as coach of the Italian national team. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) itself has confirmed this.
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| Conte is the number 1 candidate to lead the Italian team. |
“I haven’t made a decision yet but I think Conte is the best person to be the Azzurri coach. I’ll definitely talk to him in a few months. Antonio has shown that he can coach the Italian national team,” Alessandro Costacurta told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Conte is currently under great pressure at Chelsea and faces the risk of being fired. The Blues have just lost to MU and fallen out of the top 4 of the Premier League. If they are eliminated by Barca in the 1/8 round of the Champions League, Conte could have his contract terminated early. Previously, Conte was contacted to return to lead the Italian national team and he himself confessed that he wanted to return to Italy.
