Iker Casillas Absence Is A Warning -Gianluigi Buffon

 

Gianluigi Buffon admits the prospect of losing his status as Italy's undisputed No 1 has been brought closer by the arrival of Spain ahead of the sides' 2018 World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Italy coach Giampiero Ventura handed teenage AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma his international debut during the second half of a 3-1 friendly defeat to France last month.

Iker Casillas's omission from the Spain squad by newly-appointed coach Julen Lopetegui has made Buffon realise he cannot go on forever. He said “The fact he's not here is very strange, but it's also a signal for me. We're running out of time, but that's normal. I'm fine with that. Inside of me I know my sporting career has to come to an end. Until that happens, I'll enjoy every moment.

Set to earn his 164th cap, Buffon will edge one closer to former Real Madrid goalkeeper Casillas' 167-cap record for a European footballer, which he shares with retired Latvian Vitalijs Astafyevs.