Buffon Urges Barella To Emulate Gattuso's Heroics For Italy At Euro 2024

Gianluigi Buffon has disclosed that Nicolo Barella will undergo further medical evaluations ahead of Euro 2024. Buffon, who is now Italy's head of delegation, believes the injured midfielder could emulate Gennaro Gattuso's performance during Italy's 2006 World Cup victory. Barella, an Inter Milan player, has been included in Luciano Spalletti's final squad for the upcoming European Championship in Germany.

Barella missed Tuesday's goalless draw with Turkiye due to a minor muscle issue. Buffon, who was instrumental in Italy's World Cup win 18 years ago, sees potential in Barella to play a role similar to Gattuso's. Gattuso missed the opening match of the 2006 World Cup due to injury but became a key player as Italy secured their fourth World Cup title.

Buffon expressed his hopes for Barella, stating, "I hope he will be like Gattuso at the [2006] World Cup. He missed the first game, but then he became a protagonist. Yet, in the beginning, they wanted to send him home! Nicolo will undergo further tests, but he could already be available against Albania."

Italy is set to face Albania in their first Group B match on June 15. The Azzurri will also compete against Spain and Croatia in the group stage. The team is finalising their preparations for the tournament with a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday.

Injuries have already impacted Italy's squad. Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini have withdrawn due to injuries, while Lorenzo Pellegrini left the field against Turkiye with an ice pack on his knee.

Luciano Spalletti's squad for Euro 2024 includes:

The Azzurri are aiming for a strong performance in Germany, building on their rich history of success in international tournaments. As they prepare for Euro 2024, all eyes will be on Barella's recovery and potential impact on the team's campaign.

Luciano Spalletti's #Azzurri squad for #EURO2024 #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/RsMHbiAMoj

@Azzurri_En