IN THIS NECK of the woods we were focused on Ireland’s 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Denmark, but there’s no doubt that the biggest story which emerged from last week’s World Cup play-offs was Italy’s failure to qualify for the tournament for the first time in 60 years.
It meant that veteran Italian goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, who was reduced to tears in the aftermath of their defeat to Sweden, was denied the opportunity to feature at his sixth World Cup when the tournament takes place in Russia next summer.
It was an unhappy ending to a decorated international career which yielded 175 caps and a World Cup winners medal in 2006 for the 39-year-old Juventus stopper, who has now retired from duty with his country.
Such is the esteem in which Buffon is held in world football that on the eve of last night’s goalless Champions League draw between Juve and Barcelona, Barca’s Ivan Rakitic suggested in jest that the Italian legend could take his place at the 2018 World Cup.
The Croatian international told reporters: “I would like to tell Buffon to go in my place because what he’s done for football is incredible, simply unique.
“When a child writes out his ideal line-up, Buffon is always in there. I can’t explain what it’s like to see him at the end of a game in that shape and to stand next to him. It’s a shame he isn’t able to finish his career at another World Cup and I’d honestly love to give him that opportunity.
“It’s difficult to stay out of a tournament like that. When you saw him crying in the interview at the end of the match [against Sweden], you wanted to cry with him.”
Dear @ivanrakitic , as a goalkeeper I might still play but playing for Croatia as a midfielder in your place might not be a great idea: I am saying it for your good sake.😂 Joking apart, your words have been a great gift. Thanks to you and @JordiAlba: my jersey is waiting for you
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) November 21, 2017
Buffon got wind of Rakitic’s comments and responded to him before the game via Twitter. As well as promising to give his opponent his shirt afterwards, Buffon said:
As a goalkeeper I might still play but playing for Croatia as a midfielder in your place might not be a great idea. I am saying it for your good sake. Joking apart, your words have been a great gift.
The pair embraced after last night’s game in Turin, with Rakitic tweeting afterwards: “Proud to compete against you. I wish you all the best. A big hug. A pleasure to play against Gianluigi Buffon. Idol.”
Un orgullo poder competir contra ti 👍🙌 Te deseo todo lo mejor. Un abrazo grande, ídolo @gianluigibuffon
— Ivan Rakitic (@ivanrakitic) November 22, 2017
A pleasure to play against you 👍🙌 I wish you all the best. A big hug @gianluigibuffon pic.twitter.com/tJD6UnD59D
Quello di stasera è un punto solo ma un buon punto. Ma è sempre un piacere e un onore incontrare e incrociare grandi campioni. Come @ivanrakitic . #JuveFCB pic.twitter.com/OfjqqQjKLx
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) November 22, 2017
“This is only a point tonight, but it’s a good point,” Buffon tweeted. “It’s always a pleasure and an honour to play against great champions, like Ivan Rakitic.”
Having already vowed to give Rakitic his shirt, Buffon instead gave his shorts away to a Juventus supporter after the game.
