Buffon: Donnarumma Is My Heir

There is no denying that Gianluigi Buffon is a true leader of the Italian national team. Not only that, Donnarumma became the youngest ever goalkeeper to play for Italy’s senior team. His debut was in 1997 – nearly 20 years ago. The power of Buffon’s stature can be further seen by the fact that just ten seconds into the video, the booing has ceased and respectful applause is now the only thing audible outside of the anthem.

Captain of both Italy and Juventus, the most iconic team in the country, the experienced custodian is now the most most important figure in Italian football.

Spanish paper Sport claim Real Madrid have set their sights firmly on Milan’s 17-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

New Italy coach Giampiero Ventura told RAI television he was always planning to involve him, if he wasn’t he wouldn’t have been called into the squad.

Donnarumma has stolen the number one spot at Milan from Spaniard Diego Lopez, who left to join Espanyol on loan this summer as a result.

“There’s a new project, and we’re ready to make our quality available to the coach”, Buffon said.

‘When you feel you still have something to give then you’re ready for a new project’.

France’s first two goals came from Antony Martial and Olivier Giroud, with Graziano Pelle netting for Italy in between.

Italy’s most-capped player, Buffon has made 162 appearances for the Azzurri over 19 years and helped them win the World Cup in 2006.

‘We have the desire to cry again, but [cry] with joy’.