Buffon: Italy is not the weaker side against Germany in the Nations League
Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper and head of the national team delegation, affirmed that Italy is not the weaker team in its upcoming clash against Germany in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League, praising the team's capabilities under the guidance of coach Luciano Spalletti.
In his statements, Buffon said: "Italy has a competitive team led by a smart and charismatic coach, along with players qualified to represent any national team."
The first leg between the two teams will take place next Thursday in Milan, while the return match will be played on Sunday in Dortmund, with the winning team qualifying for the tournament's final stages in June.
Buffon noted that the Italian national team has overcome the disappointment of an early exit from Euro 2024 after losing to Switzerland in the Round of 16, emphasizing that qualifying for the quarter-finals was well-deserved after a strong competition with France and Belgium.
He added: "We are not required to win against Germany, but we must deliver a competitive performance at the highest level over 180 minutes. If we exit with difficulty, we will congratulate the better team."
Italy has a strong record against Germany in knockout matches, having won in the 1982 World Cup final, the 1970 and 2006 World Cup semi-finals, and Euro 2012, while Germany's only victory came via penalties in Euro 2016.
In his statements, Buffon said: "Italy has a competitive team led by a smart and charismatic coach, along with players qualified to represent any national team."
The first leg between the two teams will take place next Thursday in Milan, while the return match will be played on Sunday in Dortmund, with the winning team qualifying for the tournament's final stages in June.
Buffon noted that the Italian national team has overcome the disappointment of an early exit from Euro 2024 after losing to Switzerland in the Round of 16, emphasizing that qualifying for the quarter-finals was well-deserved after a strong competition with France and Belgium.
He added: "We are not required to win against Germany, but we must deliver a competitive performance at the highest level over 180 minutes. If we exit with difficulty, we will congratulate the better team."
Italy has a strong record against Germany in knockout matches, having won in the 1982 World Cup final, the 1970 and 2006 World Cup semi-finals, and Euro 2012, while Germany's only victory came via penalties in Euro 2016.
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