“If all goes well, it would be a great achievement, However, it was predictable in a way given that I started with the national team at such a young age. It will certainly be nice though, satisfying, because I have been in the national side for 16 beautiful years – in the squad since 1997 and a first choice since 1998. Saying that, I’ve also had my injuries which raised doubts which I have been able to overcome.”
“There is a sense of honour when you represent your country, You understand that with time, with maturity. Every appearance with the national side is not just a game, but something more.”
“[Buffon obviously can’t stop the sands of time and, after a few errors over recent months, there are question marks over how much longer he can perform for his country]: There would be no problem if I wasn’t called up or if I was benched. The most important aspect is the team. I personally would not turn down a call up. It would be like spitting in the face of good fortune, something that so many people want but only a few have the chance to experience.”
“[The captain was also inevitably asked for his opinion on speculation that boss Cesare Prandelli will leave the Italy bench after World Cup 2014]: It’s not a problem because, like at a club, professional relationships can come to an end. It seems that we are all being gripped by an untimely anxiety, With all due respect, we have a World Cup to think about. Our attention needs to be towards that. Could Antonio Conte take over? Conte hasn’t said that he is leaving Juventus. I didn’t think there could be candidates for the job already, even if it is normal that a Coach at a certain level would aspire to such a job. A lot of people would make themselves available for the job and I think a new Coach could be found as quickly as four or five days after the World Cup is over.”