Gianluigi Buffon Might Return To The Italian National Team

Apparently, soccer comebacks are all the rage right now. Landon Donovan is back playing with León, Freddy Adu rediscovered his love for soccer with the Las Vegas Lights, Marco Reus is back scoring for Dortmund and now a Gianluigi Buffon Italy return appears imminent. 

In November, it looked as though Buffon’s career with the Italian national team was over. Italy lost to Sweden in the World Cup qualifying playoffs, ending the goalkeeper’s bid to become the first player to reach six World Cups. It was the first time Italy had failed to reach the World Cup since bizarre circumstances in 1958. Buffon had said he would no longer play with Italy after the World Cup and with that it was assumed we had seen the last of the legend in Azzurri colors. 

Could we see a Gianluigi Buffon Italy return after seeing him in tears in his last match with the Azzurri? Photo: @fantasyiteam | Twitter

But the door is now open for a Buffon Italy return, with interim Azzurri coach Luigi Di Biagio saying Monday he expects Buffon to be called up for the Italy’s upcoming friendlies against Argentina and England. 

"I've had many discussions and Buffon must not end with that game against Sweden," Di Biagio said. "It's a question of his personal story, and of prestige — for what Gigi has given to our football.

"I've offered him two or three games to enable him to make his decision further down the line, so Gigi will probably be part of my squad in March."

No one wants to see a legend leave the game after a devastating loss with tears in his eyes; Di Biagio said he plans to give Buffon the chance to go out on better terms. With showcase friendlies against two of the most popular national teams in the world, Buffon could have one final hurrah with the country for which he has given so much. 

Di Biagio’s quotes do not say definitively whether Buffon will once again appear with the Italian crest on his chest, merely that he plans to invite him to join the team for the March friendlies during the FIFA international dates. 

It’s unknown if Buffon would want to play in relatively meaningless friendlies after the heartbreak against Sweden. The 40-year-old may want to rest up for the home stretch of the season in a heated Serie A title race and another potential Champions League run with Juventus instead of making a trip to England for a match or two. 

Italy plays Argentina in Manchester and England in London on March 23 and 27, respectively. Buffon has a choice: He can say goodbye to Italian soccer fans in an insignificant match or he can skip the invite and ensure his final moment with Italy came while he was giving his all in a match of great significance, even in failure. 

While it would be nice to see a Buffon Italy return, it feels a bit insincere to the honor and integrity with which he’s conducted his entire career.