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Gianluigi Buffon is one of the most famous goalkeepers in international football, having won a record 176 caps for Italy, including winning the World Cup in 2006 when he conceded just two goals in the ‘whole tournament – one against his side and the other a penalty. So he kinda knows what a good defense looks like.
Now England’s Jordan Pickford and defenders ahead of him could be set to improve on that record as they face Italy at Wembley with just one goal conceded so far – and that of a free kick from Mikkel Damsgaard against Denmark rather than an open game.
Who better than to comment on the English goalkeeper, his defense and his chances to beat Italy than the most famous goalkeeper in the history of Italian football who still plays, for Parma, at 43?
Here Buffon – who was in goal when Italy lost the Euro 2012 final to Spain – takes stock of the 2021 final and his hopes that things might turn out differently this time around. As long as Italy can find a way to beat the tournament’s best goalkeeper …
On Pickford and the English defense
“I have to say that the England goalkeeper has great quality and a very serious defense in front of him. I was impressed.
“I think there were a lot of people who doubted what kind of performance England was going to give at the back before the Euro – but they were wrong. The tournament proved that it is very difficult to score a goal against this English team and they defended very well.
“Italy also played a great Euro but I think they are now facing the most difficult game of the whole tournament.
“Playing against this English team at Wembley with the whole crowd against them will be the biggest test of our team. I still think we can be champions if we analyze the trajectory of this team, but it will be a difficult game. ‘
On the influence of Mancini & Chiellini
“Roberto Mancini has worked very well with the players and, above all, emotionally. In key matches, he has proven himself. So now we have to confirm it on Sunday.
“There is a lot of experience in the team, especially in defense. But the team is not limited to that. People emphasize Chiellini’s seniority and leadership, but in Italy many young people have given this Euro an excellent level. We have had a good team for several years and they are still improving.
On England’s most dangerous players
‘Raheem Sterling is for me one of the great figures of this Euro 2020. I like the way he plays. He has managed to throw some very serious defenses off balance in the decisive moments of matches so far. I think this tournament has been the big confirmation of him internationally, and it’s good for England.
“Harry Kane did well too because he excelled in key games and in the decisive moments. A striker is always judged by the goals he scores, and people talked a lot when he wasn’t scoring at the start, but he has also worked a lot in this championship, there is a lot more to him than goals.
On who will actually lift the trophy
“It’s a very difficult game for Italy, and England have a lot of great players. But I’m not worried because I think the pressure is mostly on the home team. They have more to lose than us because they play at home and have the audience with them.
“Scoring the first goal in this game is very important and a lot could depend on what happens in the first few minutes.
“I think Italy will win but it won’t be easy against the English defense and you don’t know how the players react on that day. In a final and at this level there are always nerves. the calmer one will win the trophy, I really believe it, and we have to make sure it’s us.
“We have been waiting for this trophy for a long time. I lost a Euro final in 2012, and I know it. So, I hope that now the streak is broken and on Sunday night we Italians are very happy.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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