When Ireland beat Italy 1-0 at last summer’s Euros to qualify for the round of 16, one of the first men over to congratulate Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane was Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon.
The Juventus number one has long been regarded as a legend both on and off the field, and many in football were devastated to see him miss out on what would have been a record-breaking sixth World Cup as Sweden held Italy to a nil-all draw in Milan last night.
Holding on to a 1-0 lead from the first leg, Sweden were set up to keep Italy at bay for 90 minutes, and stuck to their task resolutely. In the end, it never looked as though Italy had the keys for the Swedish defence, despite 90 minutes of fumbling around their pockets.
While it’s unusual for their to be a World Cup without four-time winners Italy, it can be said the Buffon is one of the last few superstars in the side. Many online were moved by the 39-year-old’s tears at full-time.
Speaking at the end of the game Buffon apologised to the Italian fans. In reality, it was Buffon who was let down by poor management and a lack of quality in Italy’s attacking options.
Buffon: "Lo siento".
Las lágrimas de un mito.#DestinoRusia pic.twitter.com/zLDaPUhfbS— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) November 13, 2017
"This was my last game for Italy. I'm sorry. We are sorry."
-Gianluigi Buffon
💔 #Italia #Italy 😥 pic.twitter.com/1pA3247jzv— Footy Analyst (@analyst_footy) November 14, 2017
Two of the saddest pictures in all of sports. Ever. #Buffon #Legend #Italy #ItaliaSvezia #Italia #ItalySweden pic.twitter.com/9t4AV2RMq2
— Sose Khachikian (@penguinnn22) November 14, 2017
It appears Gianluigi Buffon has played his final game for Italy. He will be much missed. A mountain of a man. A Giant of a goalkeeper. A credit to his sport.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 13, 2017
GIGI BUFFON CELEBRATING WITH KEANO AND O'NEILL pic.twitter.com/RyhjpWKTdo
— Carl Kinsella (@TVsCarlKinsella) June 22, 2016
Buffo
