You’ve got a privileged perspective from between the sticks. Things others cannot see, spotted ahead of what may happen. In one way, it could be said that Gianluigi Buffon is used to predicting the future. And when you’ve played 5 World Cups and 4 European Championships and you’re the record holder for most appearances with the National team (176), you’ve got the experience needed to see if a group can go all the way.

The Head of the Delegation spoke in the press conference at Casa Azzurri: “This side is probably being underestimated but we are very competitive. First of all for the human strength of the lads that make up this group, this has been what has pleasantly surprised me the most. The sense of belonging in this shirt, then their attitude is one of those with great humility and willingness to serve whatever line the Coach leads and the Federation hopes to express. And then there are four or five elements that are part of the European and World football elite. So as well as a great group, we have the individual skill necessary to do well”.

In Germany, in 2006, he reached the peak of his exceptional career (“but we’ll leave Duisburg in the memories”), now at the HQ in Iserlohn, he’s ready for another great summer in a different role. The feeling, though, is always the same: “For a few days now, my emotions have been the same as when I played. The adrenaline, tension and awareness are notably raised. This is because I want to make my small contribution”.

Yesterday Buffon and today Donnarumma. The National team is in good hands: “Gigio is a strength in our side. He made an exceptional save against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and he gives us extra security and the guarantee to be competitive”. And there’s no less admiration for the other two Azzurri goalies: “I can attest to Vicario’s growth. He is a massively reliable keeper who is experiencing a lot of growth especially having taken a step in the Premier League. Meret isn’t the latest to have arrived: we have many talents now that we haven’t had for a while”.