Italy failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 as they were held to a goalless draw by Sweden in the second leg of their play-off. Sweden qualified with a 1-0 aggregate victory.
With the stunning exit, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon ended his international career and apologized in a teary fashion to his fans and Italians across the world. The 39-year-old, who has 175 international caps, had already announced that the World Cup finals in Russia would be his last.
The game at Milan’s San Siro stadium witnessed a generational shift for Italy, with Buffon and fellow 2006 veterans Andrea Barzagli and Daniele De Rossi all quitting the team, while Giorgio Chiellini also hung up his Azzurri jersey.
“I’m not sorry for myself but all of Italian football,” Buffon told Italian broadcaster Rai. “We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There’s regret at finishing like that, not because time passes.”
Photos of the veteran goalkeeper crying after the match went viral as Twitter was abuzz with tributes for the 39-year-old. From his contemporaries to football pundits and fans, everyone was united in praising the Italian for his contribution to football.
No me gusta nada verte así! Quiero verte como hasta ahora, como lo que sigues siendo para muchos: una LEYENDA. Orgulloso de conocerte y orgulloso de haberme enfrentado a ti muchas veces. Aún nos tienes que deleitar en el fútbol amigo! #1 pic.twitter.com/gs9o0irCqo
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) November 13, 2017
#Buffon deserves so much more than to have his International Career end in an uneventful stalemate that sees his team miss out on going to the World Cup #WCQ2018 #ITAvSWE pic.twitter.com/4hBu06TmJC
— Samantha Quek (@SamanthaQuek) November 13, 2017
Grazie #Buffon ❤️️👍🏻 one of the best on and off the field #Legend
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) November 13, 2017
Sad to see @gianluigibuffon like this #ITASWE #Italy #Italia #Buffon pic.twitter.com/XvEW6h0ImO
— Khaled Yousry (@KhaledYousry) November 13, 2017
It appears Gianluigi Buffon has played his final game for Italy. He will be much missed. A mountain of a man. A Giant of a goalkeeper. A credit to his sport.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 13, 2017
🎙 | #Buffon: "I'm not sorry for myself but all of Italian football. We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There's regret at finishing like that, not because time passes." #ItalySweden 🇮🇹🇸🇪
— Italy (@azzurri) November 13, 2017
A sad night for Italian football in many ways #Buffon pic.twitter.com/NqgCPiiraz
— Joe Morrison (@joefooty) November 14, 2017
All Bianconeri are by your side @gianluigibuffon. You're the pride of our nation and the best goalkeeper in the world. 🇮🇹 👏 pic.twitter.com/iDAJBwn2Xx
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) November 13, 2017
Goodbye to an 🇮🇹@azzurri legend 😢
— #WCQ (@FIFAWorldCup) November 13, 2017
Forever a #WorldCup winner, @gianluigibuffon 🏆👏 pic.twitter.com/2W2dYu24BV
Buffon just stormed off the mixed zone still crying.
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) November 13, 2017
Not with tears in eyes like all the others. Like LITERALLY crying.
Still, he found time to stop and come to shook my hand when he saw me.
I will miss you forever, mio Capitano
Gianluigi Buffon, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli officially announced their retirement from international duty.
— Matthew Santangelo (@Matt_Santangelo) November 14, 2017
We wave goodbye to the last members of the 2006 FIFA World Cup champions, the Italian National Team.
Addio. 👋🏻🇮🇹😭🏆 pic.twitter.com/hEbWRxS3a3
Can't believe Italy hasn't qualified, difficult to imagine a #WorldCup without them. Shame Buffon's intl career had to end this way. #ItalySweden
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) November 14, 2017