http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun22b.html
Buffon: What youngsters?
Monday 22 June, 2009
Gigi Buffon insists that throwing youngsters into the Giro Azzurro will not magically solve the national side’s problems.
The Azzurri lost 3-0 to Brazil last night, a defeat which saw their Confederations Cup campaign terminate and add weight to the suggestion that the side is too old to compete at the highest level.
However, the Juventus goalkeeper is unconvinced that Italy have enough quality youngsters who are ready to jump up to the highest level.
“There is a desire and the hope that our younger players can take a step up to give us a hand,” said the No 1.
“However, you have to realise that playing in the national shirt during these games is a lot different from playing in the League at home. It isn’t easy because you need experience and personality.
“Added to that, I don’t see a lot of youngsters around who can take the baton, perhaps because our domestic championship has become more modest and less competitive in recent years.”
When asked about the Inter duo of Davide Santon, who was at the Confederations Cup but didn’t play a minute, and Mario Balotelli, Gigi responded: “Santon picked up a muscle problem in training.
“As for Balotelli, he can’t be everywhere at once and for now he is with the Under-21 international set up.”
Instead of experimenting on some fresh legs, boss Marcello Lippi again focused on the World Cup block of players but all they collected was a win over 10-man America and defeats to Egypt and Brazil.
“It was right that we were knocked out,” Buffon added. “We are in a delicate moment where we are not competitive.
“When we press our opponents and give everything then we are a great team, but without those characteristics we are vulnerable.
“We hope this terrible showing helps us for the future.”