Buffon Backs Gattuso Over Italy World Cup Exit
Speaking on the Tutto in Piazza podcast, former delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon addressed the fallout from Italy‘s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The historic play-off final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina prompted sweeping structural departures across the Italian Football Federation, including the exits of head coach Gennaro Gattuso and federation president Gabriele Gravina.
Buffon Stands Firm on Gattuso Appointment Despite World Cup Play-Off Heartbreak
Addressing his involvement in bringing in the former manager, Buffon emphasized that the ultimate outcome of a single match would not alter his assessment of the decision. He maintained that the technical leadership matched the specific demands of the period.
Gennaro Gattuso
coachβI pushed to bring him in as a coach and I would do the same now. He was the right man for the moment that we were going through. One missed penalty will not change my mind.β
The assertion underscores the internal alignment that preceded the qualifying campaign, framing the choice of manager around immediate structural needs rather than long-term tournament outcomes. By isolating the decisive moment to a single spot-kick, the former goalkeeper resisted reactionary evaluations of the technical staff’s tenure.
Stepping Down From Federation Role to Focus on Personal Accountability
Buffon also detailed the reasoning behind his immediate exit from the national team setup, contrasting his approach with figures within the governing body who sought to retain their positions.
βI left the national team well because Iβm one of the few Italians who takes responsibility and leaves at the right time, but so many others are intent on returning or sticking around. I donβt,β
Elaborating on his departure, he highlighted personal priorities that superseded any potential continuation within the federation structure.
βI decided to take time for myself this year, to continue growing as a person, to spend time with my family and children who are growing up and are at an age where itβs important to have the support and presence of your parents,β
The personal timeline removes any ambiguity regarding a potential return to sports administration in the immediate future, positioning the departure as a permanent break rather than a sabbatical. The interview was published by Corriere dello Sport.