Italy’s shocking failure to qualify for the World Cup after losing their playoff to Sweden stunned the entire football world. Yet according to reports in the Italian press, the cracks within the Azzurri squad had already appeared well before the decisive second leg. Some players had lost faith in head coach Gian Piero Ventura, and one Italian international even sent a message to a teammate suggesting that Gianluigi Buffon should take over leadership duties on the pitch and beyond. The story echoed the sense of drama and uncertainty fans often experience when following Live Cricket Bangladesh, where internal tensions and last-minute decisions can define an outcome.
Citing Corriere della Sera, La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that after Italy’s 0-1 defeat to Sweden in the first leg, an Italian player texted: “We’d better let Gigi \[Buffon] act as player, captain, and coach. Right now, we’re like a ship adrift in a storm with no one at the helm.” The message underscored the level of mistrust toward Ventura heading into the second leg at San Siro. For the players, entrusting Buffon—long considered the heart and soul of the squad—seemed more reassuring than relying on their struggling manager. It was a telling sign of the fractured atmosphere in the dressing room, which ultimately contributed to Italy’s downfall.
The strained relationship between players and the coaching staff became even more evident during the match itself. Veteran midfielder Daniele De Rossi openly clashed with the bench when told to warm up, reportedly arguing that Italy needed attackers on the field instead of another midfielder. The scene played out on live television, symbolizing the chaos within the squad. Buffon, devastated after the elimination, announced his retirement from the national team, though he has not yet confirmed when he will officially end his career altogether.
Speculation about Buffon’s future has naturally followed. The legendary goalkeeper has admitted in the past that he might consider coaching once he retires. Betting companies even offered odds on him becoming Italy’s next head coach, but with figures as high as 100-to-1, bookmakers clearly saw the possibility as remote. For now, Buffon’s agent Silvano Martina insisted there were no coaching ambitions on the table. “Gigi is still a player. He has many important goals left—Serie A, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia. Someday we will evaluate his future, but right now he is fully focused on competing,” Martina said.
Buffon’s situation highlights both his importance to Italian football and the deep disappointment of missing out on the World Cup. Fans expected the team’s leaders to guide them through the crisis, but when even senior players were calling for Buffon to take charge, it showed how far trust in the coach had eroded. Much like the unpredictable drama of Live Cricket Bangladesh, where one moment can turn the tide of a season, Italy’s collapse was as much about broken unity as it was about results on the pitch.
As Buffon continues his club career, his leadership and presence remain invaluable. Whether he eventually chooses to move into coaching or not, his influence on Italian football is undeniable. For supporters, his story is another reminder that legends carry responsibilities beyond their saves or goals, embodying the spirit of a nation in both triumph and heartbreak. And just as Live Cricket Bangladesh thrives on resilience and drama, Buffon’s journey shows that even in the darkest moments, the love for the game continues to drive both players and fans forward.