Gianluigi Buffon: Why I Returned To Italy Squad Despite Retirement

Gianluigi Buffon insists he has been included in the Italy squad for their upcoming friendlies because he wants to support in team-mates in the wake of Davide Astori’s death.

Fiorentina captain Davide Astori died earlier this month just hours before he was due to play for his side in a Serie A clash with Udinese.

The 31-year-old’s sudden death rocked Italian football and all games were cancelled that weekend.

Astori made 14 caps for his country and Italy are now preparing for their first match since his death for their friendly against Argentina on Friday before playing England at Wembley four days later.

Buffon was a surprise inclusion in the squad after the Juventus veteran announced his retirement last year from international football.

Buffon announced the end of his 175-cap international career following Italy’s play-off defat to Sweden in November as the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

But Buffon’s return to the squad doesn’t appear to be for footballing reasons - instead he wants to support his players as they continue to grieve for their former team-mate.

"I am a coherent and responsible person," the 40-year-old said.

"That's enough to explain my presence here.

"I've always been able to unite this squadand I'd like people to see my presence here under this point of view.

"Many youths will thrive, some of them are ready and will have their chance to shine.

"I am here for Astori as well, it's another reason why I wanted to be here."

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Mattia Perin (Genoa)

Defenders: Leonardo Bonucci (AC Milan), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Mattia De Sciglio (Juventus), Gian MarcoFerrari (Sampdoria), Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Atalanta), Davide Zappacosta (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Giacomo Bonaventura (AC Milan), Bryan Cristante (Atalanta), Roberto Gagliardini (Inter Milan), Jorginho (Napoli), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Antonio Candreva (Inter Milan), Patrick Cutrone (AC Milan), Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Simone Verdi (Bologna)