Buffon: Italy ‘didn’t expect anything different’ as training camp denied

Italy Delegation Chief Gianluigi Buffon reacts as Lega Serie A and FIGC were unable to make room for an Azzurri training camp in February before the World Cup play-off: ‘We must rely on our own strength.’

Italy’s delegation chief, Gigi Buffon, is not surprised that the Azzurri will not have a chance to train for a few extra days in February, a month before the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland.

The news was already reported by Corriere della Sera last week, but became official on Wednesday when Lega Serie A confirmed dates and kick-off times for Serie A Week 23 and 24 and the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

“We must rely on our own strength,” Buffon told Corriere della Sera.

“We didn’t expect anything different; we’ll have to be even more determined.”

Italy coach Gattuso hoped FIGC and Lega Serie A could find an agreement to move some league fixtures in the first two weeks of February to give the Azzurri a few days to spend together in Coverciano, less than a month before their World Cup play-off semifinal.

However, the congested fixture list and demands from TV networks made it impossible to find a window for the Azzurri training camp.

Italy played their last competitive match on November 16, 2025, and the players will reunite again on March 22, 2026, starting preparations for the crucial Northern Ireland game, scheduled for March 26.