Buffon breaks silence as son called up by Czechia: ‘No shortcuts’

‘Happy’ Italy legend Gigi Buffon says his son Louis Thomas must ‘make his own decisions’ and have ‘no shortcuts’ in his football career as the Pisa talent was called up by the U18 Czechia squad.

Buffon spoke about his son’s inclusion on the U18 Czechia squad during an interview with Tuttosport on Tuesday.

It was the first time the 2006 Italy World Cup winner spoke about the matter.

“He made his decision freely, just as he had freely chosen to go to Pisa,” said the Juventus legend.

“We discussed it as a family, and we’re happy. He needs to make his own decisions and follow his own path without any external influence, above all, without the pressure of being named Buffon. He will make it on his own, with no shortcuts. Everything he has earned, he has earned himself. We’ll see what the future holds.”

Buffon breaks silence as son called up by Czechia: ‘No shortcuts’

Buffon joined Spalletti for a meeting with Italian media at the coach’s home in Montaione on Monday.

The former goalkeeper also spoke about Italy’s upcoming matches against Germany in the Nations League.

“There will be emotional intensity. It’s a two-legged knockout tie. There’s no risk that they will underestimate the event,” he said.

“I don’t see any potential drop in tension. Knowing that we’re playing against Germany ensures that all the players will be fully focused.”

Buffon also shared his views on the race for the title: “Napoli-Inter is an extremely balanced match; I think it will add great value and excitement to our league. In my opinion, it could end in a draw. If both teams play at their best, they might cancel each other out.

“If Atalanta were to win the Scudetto, it would be a beautiful sports story, but not a surprise, because it would be the result of a decade-long plan. Such an achievement means that all the components have found a shared vision so strong that it allows them to think big. They have already achieved something huge by winning the Europa League.”