Gianluigi Buffon moves on from Italy World Cup qualifying exit

Gianluigi Buffon says he focuses on overcoming the disappointment of Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Azzurri were eliminated in the play-off final this past March after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties. Buffon, who served as the team’s delegation chief during the qualification campaign, stepped down from his role following the defeat. Coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also resigned after the team missed its third consecutive World Cup. Buffon currently maintains a positive outlook, stating that he intentionally leaves behind negative experiences to focus on future successes. He is currently in Paris to attend the UEFA Nations League match between France and Italy.

• 9:35 AMYahoo Sports — How Buffon is moving on from the ‘searing disappointment’ of Italy’s World Cup