The head of the Italy national team, Gianluigi Buffon, fancies Gli Azzurri’s chances of advancing past the so-called ‘group of death’ at Euro 2024. The former goalkeeper acknowledges the test awaiting the defending European champions in Germany but insists others fear them more than they fear their opponents.
“We are a national team that has important values, from a human and technical point of view. I think it’s a national team, wrongly, not appreciated for its value, both as a team and as an individual,” the former Italy international told Rai 2, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio.
“Sometimes being underestimated makes us do good competitions, that’s the hope,” Buffon continued. “It will also be tough for the others who will have to face us. This is a certainty, and it is a strength, knowing that others fear you. In a benchmark of values, we are seen by our opponents as a potential winner.”
Italy defied the odds to take home their second European Championship title in 2021, defeating England in the Wembley final on penalties. But defending the crown has proved far more challenging than winning it.
Only Spain have achieved that feat, highlighting the size of the task awaiting Italy in a fortnight. Gli Azzurri’s hopes of replicating La Furia Roja’s success have suffered a blow as veteran defender Francesco Acerbi picked up an injury in the build-up to the tournament.
It’s up to Scudetto-winning manager Luciano Spalletti to cope with the situation and help Italy navigate a highly competitive group.
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