Buffon: Italy lacked experience

Gianluigi Buffon has pinpointed a lack of experience as one of the reasons for Italy’s World Cup failure, despite the fact that the side faced accusations throughout the tournament that they were too old to win.

Italy endured a dismal campaign when finishing bottom of Group F – below Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand – as their bid to retain the trophy won in 2006 ended in embarrassment.

Throughout the Azzurri’s short stay in South Africa, coach Marcello Lippi was forced to reject suggestions that, with an average age of 28 years and nine months, he was relying too heavily on the veterans who succeeded in Germany, most notably captain Fabio Cannvaro, who had a difficult tournament.

But Buffon believes Italy actually suffered from having too many players without World Cup experience – such as striker Giampaolo Pazzini and defender Domenico Criscito – and that inexperience undermined their efforts in South Africa.

“The problem was that the squad was formed of many young lads who had never faced competitions like this, so it’s normal they had a few psychological setbacks,” Buffon told Radio Due.

“After the Confederations Cup there was a media campaign claiming we could leave behind the players from 2006. In reality you always need experienced people.”

Buffon’s own World Cup was cut short by a herniated disc in his back and the goalkeeper has undergone surgery, meaning he will miss the start of the new season for his club Juventus. However, he hopes to replace the retiring Cannavaro as Azzurri captain when he returns to full fitness.

“I’ll be back on the field in three or four months,” Buffon said. “Then I will try to earn the captain’s armband that new Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli promised me.”