Buffon praises Palestra and Kayode, says Verratti’s return would not ‘upset’ Italy players | OneFootball

Italy’s Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon says Marco Palestra and Michael Kayode have impressed him this season and hits at Marco Verratti’s return: ‘His call-up wouldn’t upset the players.’

Italy’s Delegation Chief Buffon gave a lengthy interview to Il Messaggero, in which he confirmed he’ll step aside if the Azzurri miss out on World Cup qualification.

Buffon, Italy’s Delegation Chief since 2023, played a role in appointing Gennaro Gattuso as Italy’s head coach in June last year.

Buffon confident ahead of Italy’s World Cup play-off

“There are coaches who are suited to certain historical moments. Rino was the right person at that moment: he’s empathetic,” Buffon said.

“He knows how to build relationships with players in an authentic, immediate way. He can foster a sense of belonging and group identity, which is always the best thing. The thing that helps you overcome obstacles, especially in the national team. The players well receive every opinion, judgment, and every thought of his, because he has experience in the dressing room.”

Italy have missed out on World Cup qualification in 2018 and 2022 and are once again involved in the play-off to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

On March 26, they’ll face Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal, with the potential final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy will play the semifinal at home in Bergamo and the final away in Wales or Bosnia.

Buffon hit back at criticism and looked confident ahead of the play-offs.

“Let’s write down some names: we are an ultra-competitive group for levels higher than what a play-off should be. We’ll go into a playoffplay-offeople like Donnarumma, Dimarco, Bastoni, Calafiori, Barella, Tonali, Retegui, Kean and Pio Esposito. I mean, how can Italy not go through? I struggle to see it,” he said.

“Then, maybe, it could happen for a third time, but at least I’d get there feeling calm, knowing that this is the reality. Then the pitch might prove us wrong, because once you are out there, a lot of other things can happen.”

Some young Italian players, including Niccolò Pisilli, Marco Palestra and Antonio Vergara, are having a good season in Serie A, but will they find a spot in the team for such crucial games this month?

“If there’s something he [Gattuso] doesn’t lack, it’s courage,” Buffon replied.

“Regardless of age, the national team is for those who deserve it. Of course, you need a certain core group; you get nowhere without one. You have to know how to use young players without burdening them with responsibilities. You must take fearlessness from young players. No one can talk about this more than I. My first appearance for Italy was in a World Cup play-off. But if you asked me now: ‘Did you realise how important the match was?’ I didn’t know a damn thing! I walked onto the field in the snow, and I was just happy to play. I told myself: go out there and enjoy it.

“A big surprise has been Palestra; he’s shown something extraordinary. Another one who’s doing well is Kayode. Vergara, too, definitely catches your attention.”

On the other hand, Italy veteran Verratti, 33, is expected to be called up, returning to the national team for the first time in nearly three years.

“Marco has always been someone who is highly appreciated in the dressing room; everyone has always had a soft spot for him,” Buffon said.

“His call-up wouldn’t upset the players. Also, because his technical quality is so high that everyone immediately recognises his unique leadership.”

Lastly, Buffon spoke about the recent incident involving Alessandro Bastoni in the Inter-Juventus match and the use of VAR.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“We spoke, and I found the whole thing a bit excessive; inevitably, the situation will die down. He’s paying far more than his actual share of the blame,” Buffon said.

“Inter-Juve confirmed that VAR is indispensable and makes you realise it must intervene in precise situations like the Kalulu incident. How can it not intervene in such a serious mistake? Who could have come up with something like that? It’s a procedure that drives you crazy. If you prevent a huge mistake, you’re helping the game of football, not harming it.

“Whoever came up with such a rule certainly isn’t a genius. There’s also something to review about physical contact: not every touch is a foul. People who have played football can help referees. There has to be a dialogue between the parties. If you blow the whistle for every contact, players realise it immediately and won’t help you; they’ll just throw themselves to the ground.”