Mancini: ‘Door open for Buffon’

By Football Italia staff

Italy CT Roberto Mancini leaves the door open for Gianluigi Buffon but “we won’t have big problems with the goalkeepers”.

The Azzurri captain turned down a call-up for the June friendlies, but he’s expected to play on for at least two years after leaving Juventus.

“We won’t have big problems with the goalkeepers, in every sense,” Mancini said on Radio Rai Uno.

“The lads are all good and I have another couple of goalkeepers in mind. We’ll consider all players who are fit and playing well, but we also have to think about the future.

“If someone is fit and in good form when the time comes then I don’t see why they wouldn’t be called.

“Experienced players can help this young national team. I’m sure my goalkeepers are all starters, including [Gigio] Donnarumma and [Mattia] Perin.

“I’m sure they’ll all play at their respective clubs, and I alternated between them to get to know them better.

“It’s one thing to watch them from outside, quite another to see them on the pitch.”

Mancini was also asked about his protege, Mario Balotelli.

“I hope he finds a team as soon as possible. He has to take advantage of the opportunities he’ll get, it’s all down to him.”

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