GIANLUIGI BUFFON: This really will be Italy’s toughest test yet against England

Gianluigi Buffon is one of the most famous goalkeepers in international football, having won a record 176 caps for Italy, including winning the World Cup in 2006 when he conceded only two goals in the entire tournament – one an own goal and the other a penalty. So, he knows a bit about how what a good defence looks like.

Now England’s Jordan Pickford, and the defenders in front of him, could be ready to better that record as they face Italy at Wembley with only one goal conceded so far – and that from a Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick against Denmark rather than from open play.

Who better than to give his verdict on England’s goalkeeper, their defence and their chances of beating Italy than the most celebrated goalkeeper in Italian football history who is still playing, for Parma, at the age of 43?

Here, Buffon – who was in goal when Italy lost the Euro 2012 final to Spain – provides his lowdown on the final of 2021 and his hopes that things might turn out differently this time. As long as Italy can find a way to beat the best goalkeeper in the tournament…

On Pickford and the England defence

‘I have to say the England goalkeeper has great quality and a very serious defence in front of him. I have been impressed.

‘I think there were many people who doubted the kind of performances England were going to give at the back before the Euros — but they were wrong. The tournament has proved it is very difficult to score a goal against this England side and they have defended very well.

‘Italy has also played a great Euros but I think now they face the most difficult match of the entire tournament.

‘Playing against this England side at Wembley with the entire public against them will be the biggest test of our team. I still think we can be champions if we analyse the trajectory of this side, but it will a tough match.’

On the influence of Mancini & Chiellini

‘Roberto Mancini has worked very well with the players and, especially, on the emotional side. In key matches he has been able to prove himself. So, now we have to confirm it on Sunday.

‘There is a lot of experience in the side, especially in defence. But the team is not only about this. People highlight Chiellini’s seniority and leadership, but in Italy many young people have given a great level in this Euro. We have a good team for several years and it is still growing better.’

 On England’s most dangerous players

‘Raheem Sterling is for me one of the great figures of this Euro 2020. I like the way he plays. He has managed to unbalance some very serious defences in decisive moments of the matches so far. I think this tournament has been the great confirmation of him at international level, and that’s good for England.

‘Harry Kane has done well too because he has excelled in key games and in decisive moments. A forward is always judged by the goals he scores, and people talked a lot when he didn’t score to start with, but he has also worked hard in this championship. There is a lot more to him than goals.’

On who will actually lift the trophy

‘This is a very difficult game for Italy, and England have lot of great players. But I’m not worried because I think the pressure is mostly on the home team. They have more to lose than we do because they play at home and have the crowd with them.

‘It’s very important to score the first goal in this match and a lot could depend on what happens in the opening minutes.

‘I think Italy will win but it won’t be easy against the English defence and you don’t know how players react on the day. In a final and at this level there are always nerves. The team that is calmer will win the trophy, I really believe that, and we have to make sure it is us.

‘We have waited a long time for this trophy. I lost a final of the Euros in 2012, and I know that. So, I hope that now the streak is broken and on Sunday night we Italians are very happy.’