La Gazzetta dello Sport has confirmed that the Italian Football Federation will appoint Buffon as the Italian sporting director (direttore sportivo), following the German team’s setup. Buffon’s future role will not interfere with the head coach, not involving the tactical field, but will become a real figure of authority for the Italian team.
Media reports that this particular position stems from Buffon’s own request. After Italy’s exit from the European Championship, Buffon was very pained, disappointed, and most importantly… confused. During the tournament, Buffon’s role in the Italian team was “team leader,” but the legend felt like he had a “tied hands” feeling. He watched the team’s poor performance, watched the players fall into chaos, but didn’t know what he could do, leaving him at a loss.
During that time, Buffon felt like he was just a “mascot.” He was part of the Italian team, but his main responsibility was… signing autographs and taking photos with fans and journalists from all over the world. On one hand, Spalletti was overwhelmed by various affairs, while on the other hand, Buffon was eager to help, but due to his limited authority, he couldn’t do anything that would truly benefit the national team. So, after the European Championship, Buffon resigned unless the federation gave him a real position “where he could do things, influence the team, and leverage his experience,” instead of making him a “figurehead.”
After discussions with the president of the Italian Football Federation, Gravina, national team head coach Spalletti, and national team organizational secretary Vlahovic, a brand new position “National Team Sporting Director” was tailored for Buffon. This is an emulation of the German team, where Völler plays this role. The key points are three: First, connect the Italian team and the Italian youth teams (such as U23, U21, U19, etc.) into a whole. Second, Buffon will be closer to the national team and the pitch, not interfering with the coach, not dictating tactics or training, but will have the authority to manage locker room affairs. Third, Buffon’s work is not limited to national team training and matches. During club competitions, he will also be responsible for liaising with clubs and handling affairs related to international footballers.
In general, the Italian Football Federation hopes to establish a “club mechanism” for the Italian team, and Buffon will be the “sporting director who doesn’t handle transfers.” Federation President Gravina said: In the eyes of many, the coach is responsible for everything, and all national team matters are left to him. But the coach is not a caregiver, nor a magician who can solve all problems. Buffon will not be Spalletti’s opponent, but his helper. The main goal of this appointment is to “establish an open, modern, and more supportive and service-oriented working team for the players.”
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