Gigi Buffon thinks it is ‘a good thing’ that Italy are underestimated at EURO 2024 and insists there should be no controversy over the call for Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli after the betting ban.
The former goalkeeper is now a member of coach Luciano Spalletti’s staff, effectively taking the role that Gianluca Vialli had during the triumphant EURO 2020 campaign which saw Italy crowned Champions of Europe.
Despite holding the trophy, they are considered underdogs going into the defence of their title in Germany this summer.
“I think this Nazionale has a lot of value and it is underappreciated for what it can do, both as a team and as individuals. Every now and then, being underestimated at major tournaments can be a good thing for Italy and I hope that’ll be the case this time too,” Buffon told RAI 2.
The Azzurri have a tough group, as they begin against Albania, then take on Spain and Croatia for a place in the knockout stages of the competition.
“It is certainly the toughest group of the Euros, but it will be tough for our opponents too. It is a strength to know that the other teams fear us, as we are considered among the potential winners.
“Our history shows that anyone facing us will have to be fully concentrated to bring home the three points. At the end of the day, we are the trophy holders, even if we failed to qualify for the World Cup. Everyone knows they’ll have to work extra hard to beat us.”
“Spalletti is trying to pass on to the lads these important commandments on a tactical, technical, behaviour and emotional level. He has great staff too and over the next few days they will spend 15 to 16 hours a day with the players. They’ll do everything to make the fans proud of us,” added Buffon.
There was some controversy when Italy called up Juventus midfielder Fagioli, who played only two games this season because of his ban for illegal betting, having received treatment for gambling addiction.
“I think Spalletti was very clear, he saw in Nicolò the characteristics that are perhaps not in other players. He can be an extra weapon for the squad. As for the rest, I don’t understand why people want to further penalise a young man who paid for his mistakes. This gossiping and thinking ill of others is a nasty habits we Italians need to rid ourselves of,” explained Buffon.