Buffon shares thoughts on Italy coaching situation ahead of World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 8:50 AM
Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Gianluigi Buffon discussed the recent developments regarding Italy's national team coaching staff in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Buffon, who was approached to return under Paolo Maldini, expressed concerns about Roberto Mancini's suitability following his controversial departure to Saudi Arabia. After Maldini's resignation, Claudio Ranieri was appointed the new technical director alongside Mancini. While Buffon respects Mancini's abilities, he believes Ranieri's presence will be crucial in this transitional period. Buffon also addressed speculation about Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment and reflected on his own commitment to family over a return to the coaching setup.
- •Buffon received an offer to return to the Italy national team.
- •Maldini resigned shortly after being appointed technical director.
- •Ranieri is now the technical director working with Mancini.
- •Buffon questions Mancini's departure to Saudi Arabia amid team issues.
- •Speculation surrounds Pirlo's coaching candidacy under Maldini.
- 8:50 AMYahoo Sports — Buffon reveals who he would have chosen as Italy head coach: ‘World Cup main goal’
"Gianluigi Buffon has spoken about the offer he received to return to the Italy national team set-up under Paolo Maldini, has explained why it is important to have a figure like Claudio Ranieri involve...
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