Buffon handed new Italy role with increased responsibilities | OneFootball

Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has been handed a new role within the national team set-up, but he will also continue with his position as Luciano Spalletti’s sporting director.

Italy legend Buffon handed new national team role

According to Wednesday’s reports, Buffon will also serve as Italy’s ‘reference director,’ meaning that he will be the go-to contact within the national team set-up for Serie A clubs and coaches.

As well as being the middle-man between the FIGC and the players, Buffon will have added responsibilities moving forward, as he will also be in constant contact with coaches from Serie A and around Europe to discuss the Italy players’ form, fitness and availability.

The most recent international break, which involved 3-1 and 2-1 away wins over France and Israel, was the first time that Buffon served in his new role.

The work will not ease up for Buffon and his colleagues, as the international break returns in October for Nations League matches against Belgium and Israel, which are due to be played in Rome and Udine, respectively.