Meet the 5 goalkeepers in line to replace Gigi Buffon as Italy’s No.1 in 2018
The mercurial Juventus glovesman has recently confirmed his intentions to retire after the World Cup in Russia, leaving a terrifying task for his successor. Blair Newman evaluates the candidates...
Goalkeeping is arguably football’s most unforgiving job. Mistakes in the position are more obvious than any others; one mistimed movement, or just plain bad luck, can define a keeper’s career.
Eduardo Galeano summed up the brutally unflinching nature of goalkeeping in Soccer in Sun and Shadow. “He wears the No.1 on his back. The first to be paid? No, the first to pay. It’s always the keeper’s fault.”
Gianluigi Buffon has been immovable for 20 seasons between the posts. At 38 years old he remains Juventus and Italy’s No.1, but has recently confirmed his intention to retire in 2018.
Someone will be handed the unenviable task of replacing him. Fortunately, there are several talented young goalkeepers on the peninsula vying to do so...
Take a gander at the interactive image below to investigate...
Like this? Please share away on social media (below)...
More features every day on FFT.com
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw
‘This is the hardest Manchester derby to call in years – Manchester United shouldn’t be petrified, it feels like Manchester City aren’t in control of any game at the moment’ Former Red Devils striker thinks a surprise result could be possible