Buffon’s verdict on Tudor, Italy World Cup and son scoring for Czech Republic | OneFootball

Italy legend Gigi Buffon hopes his ex-teammate Igor Tudor will bring ‘positive energy’ to Juventus and insists the Azzurri must see the glass ‘half full’ in their 2026 World Cup qualifying path.

Buffon spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Thursday, discussing a number of issues related to the Italy national team and Juventus.

The Bianconeri have just hired Tudor as their new head coach following disappointing results under Thiago Motta.

“Igor has always stood out when joining a group because of his physical presence and because he passes on important ideas,” Buffon said via Tuttosport.

“He will bring positive energy, and I wish him good luck. He needs it to achieve the results.

Buffon’s verdict on Tudor, Italy World Cup and son scoring for Czech Republic

Italy’s former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon shows the paper slip of Juventus (ITA) during the group stage of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League football tournament, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on August 29, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

“I believe it’s a team with important technical and moral qualities. So far, they haven’t been able to express themselves, that’s the truth,” continued the ex-goalkeeper.

“Hopefully, Tudor will put them in the best conditions to fulfil their potential, technically and morally.”

Italian sources claim that Giorgio Chiellini, another ex-Buffon teammate at Juventus, could be promoted and gain more power in the club’s sporting area from 2025-26.

“He deeply understands Juventus’s soul. He experienced it as a player and has the tools to overcome certain challenges,” Buffon admitted.

“There are others like him. I think of Del Piero, Marchisio, Bonucci or Barzagli. The truth is that we should not only focus on the history of a champion. Being a director means having skills you didn’t necessarily acquire as a great football player.”

Buffon is not just an Italian and Juventus legend, but is also serving as the Azzurri’s Delegation Chief.

Luciano Spalletti’s men were eliminated from the Nations League quarter-finals by Germany and will face Norway in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group I.

“We have to respect every team we will face, including Norway, which have already won games quite convincingly,” Buffon argued.

“In these delicate moments, one has to always see the glass half full, not too confident but relying on one’s strengths. In our case, they are the coach and the team.”

The U18 Czech Republic squad has called up Buffon’s son Louis, and the Pisa talent has already scored his first goal at a youth international level.

“I’m extremely happy for him. It’s a source of pride,” admitted Buffon.

“We discussed it together and thought it was the best choice, considering that the Federation had contacted us some time ago.”