Buffon turns down Italian FA roles to focus on family

Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper and former general coordinator of the national team, has revealed why he declined to take on any new roles with the Italian Football Federation.

In comments to Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport, Buffon expressed his confidence in new coach Roberto Mancini's ability to get the national team back on track.

Buffon described Mancini as the best technical choice, noting that his work is closely followed by top European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He added that Mancini is capable of implementing a playing style that fits the current project for the national team.

Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for three consecutive editions (2018, 2022, 2026), despite Mancini leading the team to the Euro 2021 title at Wembley Stadium. Buffon also voiced his trust in Claudio Ranieri, the new technical director of the Italian Football Federation.

Explaining his decision to turn down a return to the federation, Buffon said he received an offer from Paolo Maldini and Leonardo to join the technical staff and oversee league teams and the under-17 squads. However, after working continuously since 1991, he chose to dedicate his time to his family, emphasizing his need for rest and to recharge.