Italy Thought to have been retiring after 2018 World Cup

Going into the World Cup next summer, Juventus legend and goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, announced that he would be retiring after the tournament in Russia however that may no longer be the case.

Shockingly, Sweden defeated the Italians in a play-off to deny their participation, and in doing so, they ended Buffon's chance to become the first ever player to appear in six World Cups.

As a result, it was a sad and bitter end to an illustrious career in the Azzurri shirt for the veteran, but now he may be having a change of heart.

"I will be [playing] as long as I feel useful," he said at La Gazzetta's awards ceremony. "After the elimination against Sweden, I have received a lot of affection.

"I live day-to-day, so I can't rule out playing at Euro 2020."

The goalkeeper also addressed the delicate situation surrounding two of Serie A's most talented youngsters in Paulo Dybala and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"Paulo is the number one player for Juve," he continued. "He will have to accept the advice from [Pavel] Nedved who demanded that he sacrifice more for the team.

"If he does, it will give him the opportunity to have a brilliant career."

Regarding Donnarumma and his 'forced renewal' at AC Milan, Buffon was reluctant to share his wise words to the goalkeeper.

"At the time I gave my advice, but I will not make it public," he noted. "Now he must not think of anything other than what happens on the pitch.

"He must stay focused and be a good goalkeeper, just as he has been doing."