Gianluigi Buffon turns down offer to return to Italy national team set-up

Gianluigi Buffon has rejected the opportunity to return to the Italy national team set-up under new FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 46-year-old former goalkeeper was approached for a hands-on role within Club Italia, the body responsible for overseeing the Azzurri at all levels and age groups. However, Buffon does not feel that now is the right time to jump back into football and has declined the offer.

Buffon resigned as Italy's head of delegation alongside coach Gennaro Gattuso and former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina in the aftermath of the World Cup playoff final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, which cost Italy a third consecutive appearance at the World Cup finals. He has been out of work since April.

The former Juventus and Parma goalkeeper is Italy's record caps holder and was among the country's most recent World Cup winners. He had strongly considered Maldini's offer, given his enormous experience with the Nazionale and his familiarity with the current squad.

Maldini and his advisor Leonardo are still searching for a new head coach after learning that neither Pep Guardiola nor Carlo Ancelotti will take on the role. Andrea Pirlo has emerged as a frontrunner according to initial reports.

Sources

• Football Italia