Gianluigi Buffon steps down from Italy role just days after World Cup failure

Gianluigi Buffon has resigned as the head of Italian national team delegation.

It comes just two days after the four-time World Cup winners failed to qualify for this summer’s tournament.

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Italy were beaten on penalties by Bosnia & Herzegovina in their play-off final on Tuesday.

As a result, the Azzurri will be absent from a third successive World Cup.

Feeling Blue

Following the setback, Buffon has stepped down from his role with the national team.

The 48-year-old had been appointed the head of the delegation for the national team in August 2023.

He was placed in the role by the Italian Football Federation prior to Luciano Spalletti’s arrival as manager.

Buffon subsequently remained with the national team after Spalletti was replaced by Gennaro Gattuso last summer.

The role had previously been held by Gianluca Vialli during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.

However, they failed to match those heights during Buffon’s time in the position.

He oversaw their Euro 2024 campaign, with Spalletti guiding the side to the finals in Germany.

Italy were ultimately knocked out by Switzerland in the round of 16, though.

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In their subsequent World Cup qualifying campaign, they finished second behind Norway to miss out on an automatic spot in the finals.

Having beaten Northern Ireland in their play-off semi-final, their hopes of a return were ended by Bosnia on penalties.

As a result, Italy have failed to qualify for three successive World Cup finals for the first time ever.

Prior to their current run, they had only been absent when they did not enter in 1930 and when failing to qualify in 1958.

In addition to not appearing since 2014, Italy have not won a knockout match at the tournament since beating France in the 2006 final.

Buffon featured in that match, having won 176 caps for Italy as a player to become their all-time leading appearance maker.

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The former goalkeeper also served as captain between 2010 and 2018.

During his international career, he was part of the squad for nine major tournaments, including a record-equalling five World Cups.

Only seven other players have achieved that feat, although Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can reach six this summer.

Buffon also captained Italy to the final of Euro 2012, where they were beaten by Spain.