GIANLUIGI BUFFON IS generally thought of as one of football’s good guys, and he showed why tonight.
Ahead of the crucial World Cup play-off against Sweden, the boos rang out at the San Siro once the opposition’s national anthem was played.
However, unwilling to let this show of disrespect slide, the 39-year-old goalkeeper clapped all the way through the anthem to counteract his supporters’ jeers.
Buffon is one good reason to hope Italy don’t fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, as their hopes hang by a thread following the 1-0 first leg loss in Stockholm.
The Juventus stopper, who is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers ever, has said he will retire from international duty once the current campaign ends.
Consequently, unless Italy turn things around, tonight will be the last game he plays for his national side, bringing an end to a glittering career at international level that included a World Cup triumph in 2006.
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