Football
ESPN staff 8y

Gianluigi Buffon anoints Donnarumma as Italy's 'chosen one'

Gianluigi Buffon has earmarked AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as "the chosen one" ahead of Italy's World Cup qualification campaign.

Buffon, 38, is the most capped player in Azzurri history with 161 appearances for the national side, and has set his sights on Russia 2018 as the swansong to his storied career.

The Juve keeper, however, is aware of the challenge posed by 17-year-old Donnarumma for his position in the Italy side, and says that he's relishing the competition.

Fresh from getting knocked out of the European Championship quarterfinal on penalties by Germany, Buffon says that fresh faces like Donnarumma in the squad, as well as new coach Giampiero Ventura, gives the feel of a bright new era in the national setup.

"There's a new project, and we're ready to make our quality available to the coach," Buffon said. "When you feel you still have something to give then you're ready for a new project.

"It's important to be mentally ready for a match like France-Italy.

"This is the most difficult phase of World Cup qualifying in my career. Donnarumma is a chosen one.

"We have the desire to cry again, but [cry] with joy."

Italy faces France in a friendly on Thursday before beginning their World Cup campaign in earnest against Israel next week.

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