Meet the 5 goalkeepers in line to replace Gigi Buffon as Italy’s No.1 in 2018

Features
By published

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.

Like this? Please share away on social media (below)...

More features every day on FFT.com