Buffon explains why he didn’t resign after Italy Euro 2024 flop

Gigi Buffon reveals that the ‘team’s strength’ convinced him not to resign as Italy’s Delegation Chief after a disappointing European Championship in 2024.

Italy Delegation Chief Buffon spoke about the latest developments in the Azzurri squad in an interview with Viva El Futbol (via Calciomercato).

Buffon first explained why he didn’t step down from his role after elimination in the Euro 2024 Round of 16.

“I had some doubts, as normal, after a disappointment. The strength of the team convinced me [to stay],” he admitted.

“We have players of great value. Then, in a moment of great confusion, we found the strength to show that we have the independence to make choices that at first might be seen in a negative light. This is the best way to do football. It doesn’t mean you always make the best choices, but perhaps the right ones.”

Gennaro Gattuso replaced Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s head coach in June.

“It was a spontaneous and instinctive choice. Ranieri made assessments, in my view, perfectly understandable, about his life, his past, present and future,” said Buffon.

“He didn’t feel ready to join the project, so there were four or five names. If you have the sensitivity to understand the group you are working with, you realise that some coaches are more suited to a particular team. Not better or worse, just more suited.

“The President immediately liked the idea [of appointing Gattuso], and I’m convinced it was the right choice. That doesn’t mean all problems are solved.”

Spalletti also didn’t resign after the Euros last year, but was sacked a year later, in June 2025, after a 3-0 loss against Norway in the World Cup qualifiers.

“The only thing that didn’t work well was the Euros. Up until then, the responses had been good, even in the match against Ukraine. There were some things during the Euros that had to be reviewed, but he also acknowledged that,” said Buffon.

“The outcome was due to bad luck in the schedule. The first match [against Norway] was already like a final, a decisive one against one of the most in-form teams in Europe. With five players coming off a tough Champions League Final just three days earlier, and with two or three absences. We lost badly, but also had few weapons. Since it was such a delicate match and lost that way, it played a decisive role.”