How Buffon is moving on from the ‘searing disappointment’ of Italy’s World Cup

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - MARCH 31: Players of Italy show their dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon admits he tries to ‘eliminate negative experiences from his mind,’ including Italy’s latest elimination from the World Cup play-off: ‘The only penalties I revisit in my sleep are those from the triumph in Berlin in 2006.’

Buffon was Italy’s delegation chief this past March when the Azzurri, under coach Gennaro Gattuso, faced elimination in the World Cup play-off final, losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Buffon: Italy’s loss against Bosnia and Herzegovina a ‘deep and searing disappointment’

The loss marked Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, but Buffon no longer dwells on it.

“No, because I have a great ability to eliminate sad and negative experiences from my mind,” he told Gazzetta.

“I am optimistic and naturally confident, which is probably why the only penalties I revisit in my sleep are those from the triumph in Berlin in 2006. The one in Bosnia was a deep and searing disappointment, but my way of living and surviving these burns is to overcome them with something beautiful and majestic.”

Buffon stepped down from his role following Italy’s exit, and the same did coach Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.

During the same interview, Buffon previewed tonight’s big game between Juventus and Milan, claiming that the Bianconeri have a slight advantage over the Rossoneri.