Gianluigi Buffon will continue with the Azzurri. The record holder for all-time most appearances for the Italian national team (176), appointed Head of Delegation by FIGC president Gabriele Gravina last August and with his contract due to expire at the end of the European Championships, gladly accepted the offer to continue in his role. During a meeting at the FIGC headquarters today in Rome, Gravina reaffirmed his respect and desire to work together and asses an even greater role within Club Italia,

Gravina: “Gigi is an extraordinary resource for the FIGC and the National Team, he took to his new role with great availability and professionalism, I want to thank him for continuing to contribute to the Azzurri cause. Consistent with what was announced on the day of his appointment, after having obtained his Sporting Director diploma via the course at Coverciano, it is my intention to involve him further within the structure. Getting his confirmation was my main aim for relaunching the National Team and is great news for the whole of Italian football”

Buffon affirmed: “Azzurri is my second skin, I am happy to continue my journey as a director that began just under a year ago, I want to thank Gravina for his confidence and, as I have always done in my career, I will give my all to the National Team. Moreover, in the last few months, I have been able to gain a level of knowledge and professionalism that can be useful for the development of Club Italia and the increased strength of all Azzurri sides”.