Buffon: ‘Can’t stand cheering against’ Inter in Champions League Final | OneFootball

Italy World cup winner Gianluigi Buffon admits he ‘can’t stand cheering against Italian teams, in this case Inter, in big events like a Champions League Final: ‘It’s something small-minded people do.’

The Nerazzurri will meet Ligue1 champions PSG in the Champions League Final on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

As usual in these occasions, the domestic football fans are split as some will support an Italian club, while others will be hoping to see a hated rival lose the biggest game of the season.

“I can’t stand cheering against our own teams. It’s something small-minded people do,” Buffon told Repubblica.

“It used to bother me, even when I was playing. Given my current role, I’m even more than happy if it’s an Italian club that celebrates.”

The Italy Delegation Chief also released an interview with Sky Sport Italia where he discussed the imminent start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Azzurri.

Buffon opens up about Conte’s future

Italy’s former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (L) and Portugal’s former player Luis Figo pose prior to the draw for the group stage of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League football tournament, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on August 29, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

The former goalkeeper insisted that Italy should qualify for next year’s competition ‘with no ifs or buts.’

Lastly, the 2006 World Cup winner spoke about the future of Antonio Conte who seems closer to staying at Napoli than joining Juventus.

“Unlike many of you, I wasn’t so convinced he would surely leave Napoli. Antonio has that animal instinct and intelligence that lets him sense whether a place offers the possibility of winning in the future or at least being competitive,” Buffon concluded.

“The fact that he still hasn’t said anything confirms what I already said. As for the idea that he could be a perfect fit for certain teams in specific situations, that is what his career says.”