Gianluigi Buffon: Serie A Now a 'Stepping Stone' for Top Talent

Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon has articulated a significant shift in the landscape of Serie A, suggesting that Italy's top-flight league has transformed into a crucial "stepping stone" for players aspiring to reach more prominent European and international leagues. Buffon, who now serves as a delegate for the Italian football federation, views this evolving trend as a positive indicator for the national team's potential growth and heightened performance.

Buffon's observations come amidst a notable increase in Italian players seeking opportunities beyond Serie A. The recent move of Giovanni Leoni to Premier League giants Liverpool exemplifies this trend. He joins a growing list of talents, including Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori, and Federico Chiesa, who have pursued careers abroad. Speculation also surrounds goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a potential transfer to Manchester City, while attackers Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui have already made moves to LaLiga and the Saudi Pro League, respectively.

Speaking to Tutto Mercato, Buffon elaborated on his perspective: "Today's football has changed, and our evaluations must change as a result, too. Serie A is no longer the reference point it was in the past, but we've become a stepping stone in relation to other leagues where players can really 'arrive'." He firmly believes in the long-term benefits of this development for the national squad, stating, "I think it's a positive, because if you have six or seven players who play for the best teams in the world, it means that your national team will be at an increasingly higher level."

Despite a recent 3-0 defeat to Norway in June, which currently places Italy third in their World Cup qualifying group, Buffon maintains an optimistic outlook regarding the national team's future prospects. He also touched upon the situation of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been sidelined since Paris Saint-Germain's Club World Cup final loss in July.

Buffon expressed his intent to personally connect with Donnarumma, acknowledging ongoing communication between the player and national team coach Gennaro Gattuso regarding his future. "I'm waiting to see Gigio and talk to him in-person," Buffon added. "I know the coach has already heard from him several times, and they know what his future could look like depending on his choices. Apart from this specific moment, Donnarumma represents - and will always represent - a strength for the national team."