Buffon ‘appreciated’ four Italy things and was ‘surprised’ by two players at EURO 2024 | OneFootball

Italy’s delegation chief, Gianluigi Buffon, admits he was surprised by Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams and reveals four things he appreciated about the Azzurri at EURO 2024.

Buffon spoke to UEFA’s official website on the eve of an EURO 2024 Round of 16 tie against Switzerland.

“Switzerland are tough, really difficult to beat even if sometimes they have problems winning,” Buffon said.

“Matches against them are always well balanced. When I look at Switzerland, they remind me of a side like Sweden. One of those teams where if you play 7 or 7.5/10, you win. If you play a 6.5/10, you draw, but 6/10 and you lose. Their performances are always so consistent.”

Buffon ‘appreciated’ four Italy things at EURO 2024

What has he enjoyed about Italy so far?

“I definitely appreciated the sacrifice, the group identity, the character, our goalkeeper,” Buffon replied.

“How the guys faced the challenges with determination and heart. I really liked the work of our coach. I have to say we’re doing our best to reach our peak. We haven’t reached it yet, but they are pushing to get there.

“That turning point, the game that gives you confidence, faith, enthusiasm. Riding the wave of the late goal against Croatia, we can certainly go into what will be a very difficult game against Switzerland with hope. We can use the rush of adrenaline and enthusiasm that the Croatia game gave us.”

Aside from Italian players, which footballers have surprised the legendary keeper at EURO 2024 so far?

“I was definitely surprised by the Spanish wide guys (Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams). I obviously knew of them but I’d never seen them in person; they clearly have something special,” he said.

“From what I’ve seen on TV, Germany have some talents who offer hope for the future. Portugal have a strong team, and France have a very experienced coach and excellent individuals.”

Lastly, Buffon shared his thoughts on Donnarumma and Yann Sommer who are expected to be two key players for Italy and Switzerland tomorrow.

Buffon on Donnarumma and Sommer

“Gigio [Donnarumma] has been giving Italy a big hand at this tournament. It’s important to recognise and give credit to those who are doing something special. And he has been doing something truly special and giving us a big hand,” noted Buffon.

“Sommer is another of those goalkeepers who has consistently produced really high-level performances over the past few years. He has become one of the world’s leading goalkeepers.

“I’ve also seen other very good goalkeepers at this tournament. I like the one from Georgia (Giorgi Mamardashvili) a lot. I also liked the Croatian goalkeeper (Dominik Livaković). And then there are the usual suspects, like [Manuel] Neuer. But given the choice, I’d pick Gigio every time.”