Gianluigi Buffon has announced his retirement after a glorious 28-year career. Buffon played a pivotal role in Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph and is a bonafide legend of the game, but is he the greatest goalkeeper of all time?

Buffon announces retirement after 28-year career

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has finally scored a free-kick for his Juventus side and played a role in beating Torino 4-1 in the Derby Della Mole on Saturday.</p>

<p>This was Ronaldo's first goal through a free-kick for Juventus, he had attempted 43 times but could not find the back of the net. Another milestone was achieved by Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who made a record 648th Serie A appearance. The 42-year-old goalkeeper overtook Paolo Maldini (previous record-holder) when he was picked for his first league game this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Torino have failed to beat Juventus in the past 12 attempts. Juventus top the Serie A table with 75 points, whereas, Torino struggle on 15th position with just 31 points.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We took the lead right away and then scored again. Maybe we thought it was going to be easy but the penalty got us nervous and made us lose control of the game," said Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri.</p>

<p>"We had a confusing phase at the start of the second half and then, when the two teams were tired, our quality came out."</p>

<p>After scoring a free-kick, Ronaldo was relieved by it.</p>

<p>"I needed to score from a free-kick to get my confidence back," he said.</p>

<p>Paulo Dybala opened the score for the team by scoring his trademark goal.&nbsp;</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo has finally scored a free-kick for his Juventus side and played a role in beating Torino 4-1 in the Derby Della Mole on Saturday. This was Ronaldo's first goal through a free-kick for Juventus, he had attempted 43 times but could not find the back of the net.

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally scored a free-kick for his Juventus side and played a role in beating Torino 4-1 in the Derby Della Mole on Saturday. This was Ronaldo's first goal through a free-kick for Juventus, he had attempted 43 times but could not find the back of the net. Another milestone was achieved by Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who made a record 648th Serie A appearance. The 42-year-old goalkeeper overtook Paolo Maldini (previous record-holder) when he was picked for his first league game this year. Torino have failed to beat Juventus in the past 12 attempts. Juventus top the Serie A table with 75 points, whereas, Torino struggle on 15th position with just 31 points. "We took the lead right away and then scored again. Maybe we thought it was going to be easy but the penalty got us nervous and made us lose control of the game," said Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri. "We had a confusing phase at the start of the second half and then, when the two teams were tired, our quality came out." After scoring a free-kick, Ronaldo was relieved by it. "I needed to score from a free-kick to get my confidence back," he said. Paulo Dybala opened the score for the team by scoring his trademark goal.

Serie A: Ronaldo and Dybala star as Juventus beat Torina 4-1; Buffon hits another milestone

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cristiano-ronaldo-hits-milestone-with-700th-career-goal-256054">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> continued his hot streak as his towering header gave Juventus a 2-1 win at Parma to put Juventus top of the table as Gianluigi Buffon equalled Paolo Maldini's Serie A appearance record.</p>

<p>Ronaldo met Alex Sandro's looping cross with an incredible leap and header just before half-time to put Juve on 42 points, three ahead of Inter ahead of their match with struggling Genoa on Saturday.</p>

<p>"I'm really happy with the result... It was a really good goal also because it was the one that won the three points," said Ronaldo, who earlier in the season was off-form amid injury concerns.</p>

<p>"Like I said before I'd had pain in my knee for around a month, but now I'm OK and now I want to help Juventus win trophies."&nbsp;</p>

<p>His 10th league goal of the season came after Samp's Gianluca Caprari had levelled Paulo Dybala's superb volleyed opener.</p>

<p>The Argentine met Alex Sandro's raking cross in the 19th minute with the most delicate of volleys, caressing the ball past Emil Audero from the edge of the box.</p>

<p>Maurizio Sarri's side had so much of the ball they already looked home and dry but they failed to capitalise on their possession and were punished by Gianluca Caprari 10 minutes before the break, the Italian pouncing after Sandro was caught on the ball to crash his finish past Buffon.</p>

<p>However Ronaldo soon sparked into action, first fizzing in a cross that both Gonzalo Higuain and Dybala just only just failed to get contact on.</p>

<p>The Portugal forward then put the away side back in front in the final minute of the half with his sixth goal in five matches in all competitions, a hanging header from another pinpoint Sandro cross.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old twice came close to a second in the dying seconds, first when he was ruled to be in an offside position after latching on to Aaron Ramsey's through ball and tapping past an onrushing Audero.</p>

<p>He then flashed a curling shot just wide in added time as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Juventus</a> closed out what was a tight match against Claudio Ranieri's side, who sit just two points above the relegation zone.</p>

<p><strong>Buffon landmark&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The win, gained early in the week ahead of Sunday's Italian Super Cup clash with Lazio in Riyadh, was a further source of happiness for Buffon, who made his 647th Serie A appearance in place of the injured Wojciech Szczesny.</p>

<p>The 41-year-old also became Juve's all-time record appearance maker on 479 matches, one ahead of Alessandro Del Piero.</p>

<p>Buffon began his professional career as a teenager in 1995 at Parma, where he won the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia in 1999 before moving to Juve two years later.</p>

<p>He has won nine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-chief-apologises-for-anti-racism-ape-artwork-268895">Serie A</a> titles and the Coppa Italia four times in Turin but has failed to conquer Europe despite reaching two Champions League finals under previous coach Massimiliano Allegri.</p>

<p>However he will have another chance at winning Europe's top club competition after returning to Juve in the summer following a disappointing season at Paris Saint-Germain.</p>

<p>His team cruised into the last 16 after qualifying from Group D unbeaten, six points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid.</p>

<p>The former Italy captain also holds the appearance record for his national team, with 176 caps between 1997-2018, winning the 2006 World Cup.</p>

<p>Later on Wednesday, Brescia missed out on a chance to escape the relegation zone when they lost 2-0 at home to Sassuolo.</p>

<p>The game was a rescheduled week seven fixture that was postponed following the death of Sassuolo president Giorgio Squinzi.</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo continued his hot streak as his towering header gave Juventus a 2-1 win at Parma to put Juventus top of the table as Gianluigi Buffon equalled Paolo Maldini's Serie A appearance record.

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his hot streak as his towering header gave Juventus a 2-1 win at Parma to put Juventus top of the table as Gianluigi Buffon equalled Paolo Maldini's Serie A appearance record. Ronaldo met Alex Sandro's looping cross with an incredible leap and header just before half-time to put Juve on 42 points, three ahead of Inter ahead of their match with struggling Genoa on Saturday. "I'm really happy with the result... It was a really good goal also because it was the one that won the three points," said Ronaldo, who earlier in the season was off-form amid injury concerns. "Like I said before I'd had pain in my knee for around a month, but now I'm OK and now I want to help Juventus win trophies." His 10th league goal of the season came after Samp's Gianluca Caprari had levelled Paulo Dybala's superb volleyed opener. The Argentine met Alex Sandro's raking cross in the 19th minute with the most delicate of volleys, caressing the ball past Emil Audero from the edge of the box. Maurizio Sarri's side had so much of the ball they already looked home and dry but they failed to capitalise on their possession and were punished by Gianluca Caprari 10 minutes before the break, the Italian pouncing after Sandro was caught on the ball to crash his finish past Buffon. However Ronaldo soon sparked into action, first fizzing in a cross that both Gonzalo Higuain and Dybala just only just failed to get contact on. The Portugal forward then put the away side back in front in the final minute of the half with his sixth goal in five matches in all competitions, a hanging header from another pinpoint Sandro cross. The 34-year-old twice came close to a second in the dying seconds, first when he was ruled to be in an offside position after latching on to Aaron Ramsey's through ball and tapping past an onrushing Audero. He then flashed a curling shot just wide in added time as Juventus closed out what was a tight match against Claudio Ranieri's side, who sit just two points above the relegation zone. Buffon landmark The win, gained early in the week ahead of Sunday's Italian Super Cup clash with Lazio in Riyadh, was a further source of happiness for Buffon, who made his 647th Serie A appearance in place of the injured Wojciech Szczesny. The 41-year-old also became Juve's all-time record appearance maker on 479 matches, one ahead of Alessandro Del Piero. Buffon began his professional career as a teenager in 1995 at Parma, where he won the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia in 1999 before moving to Juve two years later. He has won nine Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia four times in Turin but has failed to conquer Europe despite reaching two Champions League finals under previous coach Massimiliano Allegri. However he will have another chance at winning Europe's top club competition after returning to Juve in the summer following a disappointing season at Paris Saint-Germain. His team cruised into the last 16 after qualifying from Group D unbeaten, six points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid. The former Italy captain also holds the appearance record for his national team, with 176 caps between 1997-2018, winning the 2006 World Cup. Later on Wednesday, Brescia missed out on a chance to escape the relegation zone when they lost 2-0 at home to Sassuolo. The game was a rescheduled week seven fixture that was postponed following the death of Sassuolo president Giorgio Squinzi.

Flying Cristiano Ronaldo fires Juventus top as Buffon equals Maldini's Serie A record

<p>SS Napoli defeated Juventus in a dramatic fashion as Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header in the 89th minute and stunned Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday at Allianz Arena, Munich.</p>

<p>When the match started, players from both the team had red stripes on their cheek. Not only Juventus and Napoli players, but this trend was actively promoted this weekend by all Serie A players.</p>

<p>When the players entered the field with red marks on their face then the fans and spectators were surprised but after some time, the commentators revealed that it is a part of a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The players are sporting red marks on their face in support of a campaign against domestic violence<br />
<br />
?? <a href="https://twitter.com/SerieA_TIM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerieA_TIM</a> <a href="https://t.co/aH6DrKQeWG">pic.twitter.com/aH6DrKQeWG</a></p>
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) <a href="https://twitter.com/en_sscnapoli/status/988131785300201472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The players were expressing solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.</p>

<p>We World Onlus, a humanitarian organisation teamed up with Serie A players to promote the campaign worldwide. So far, the campaign has been very successful in reaching worldwide audiences.</p>

<p>Also, the players should be applauded for taking part&nbspand encouraging the campaign even in the crucial matches.</p>


Seria A teams took part in a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women

SS Napoli defeated Juventus in a dramatic fashion as Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header in the 89th minute and stunned Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday at Allianz Arena, Munich. When the match started, players from both the team had red stripes on their cheek. Not only Juventus and Napoli players, but this trend was actively promoted this weekend by all Serie A players. When the players entered the field with red marks on their face then the fans and spectators were surprised but after some time, the commentators revealed that it is a part of a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women. The players are sporting red marks on their face in support of a campaign against domestic violence ?? @SerieA_TIM pic.twitter.com/aH6DrKQeWG — Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) April 22, 2018 × The players were expressing solidarity with victims of domestic abuse. We World Onlus, a humanitarian organisation teamed up with Serie A players to promote the campaign worldwide. So far, the campaign has been very successful in reaching worldwide audiences. Also, the players should be applauded for taking part&nbspand encouraging the campaign even in the crucial matches.

Here is why Buffon, Dybala and other players were playing with red mark on their cheeks

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo architected the Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Serie A leaders Juventus as he stunned Gigi Buffon twice to score the opener goal as well as a sensational overhead bicycle kick.</p>

<p>He became the first player to score in 10 successive Champions League games. He earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans as he left the pitch.</p>

<p>"You can say he's one of the most beautiful players in the history of football," said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.</p>

<p>"It's not easy to get three goals past Juve on their own pitch. But in the end it was teamwork, you have to work as a team to get this result."</p>

<p>"Of course Juventus aren't happy with the result tonight, but I will always have Juve in my heart," added Zidane, who spent five seasons at the Italian club as a player.</p>

<p><em>Watch the stunning goal here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys <a href="https://t.co/d0BAkwOxzM">pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM</a></p>
— Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthleteTweetsO/status/981304696030642176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>Watch Zidane's reaction:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Zidane's reaction to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cristiano?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cristiano</a> goal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadrid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/xjQvTsbhwY">pic.twitter.com/xjQvTsbhwY</a></p>
— R3ed Alrashid (@R3ed_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/R3ed_0/status/981266126876430336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>Also&nbsp;watch&nbsp;Cristiano's incredible bicycle kicks show:</em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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For his astonishing overhead bicycle kick, Cristiano Ronaldo earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans when he left the pitch

Cristiano Ronaldo architected the Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Serie A leaders Juventus as he stunned Gigi Buffon twice to score the opener goal as well as a sensational overhead bicycle kick. He became the first player to score in 10 successive Champions League games. He earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans as he left the pitch. "You can say he's one of the most beautiful players in the history of football," said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. "It's not easy to get three goals past Juve on their own pitch. But in the end it was teamwork, you have to work as a team to get this result." "Of course Juventus aren't happy with the result tonight, but I will always have Juve in my heart," added Zidane, who spent five seasons at the Italian club as a player. Watch the stunning goal here: Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM — Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) April 3, 2018 × Watch Zidane's reaction: Zidane's reaction to #Cristiano goal #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/xjQvTsbhwY — R3ed Alrashid (@R3ed_0) April 3, 2018 × Also watch Cristiano's incredible bicycle kicks show: ×

Watch: Ronaldo's sensational 'bicycle' goal against Juventus

<p>Defending champions Real Madrid thrashed Juventus by 3-0 in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8 at Juventus Stadium, Italy.</p>

<p>Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg. Now, the chances of reaching across the deficit are very less.</p>

<p>Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid forward within three minutes after the game started as he netted a beautiful assist of Marcelo on the left-hand edge of the six-yard box.</p>

<p>Though Real Madrid was leading but without a doubt, Juventus played better in the first half when it comes to intent and creating chances.</p>

<p>Also, the Real's midfielder Toni Kroos was proved unlucky when his ferocious strike was deflected off the bar.</p>

<p>Argentine Paulo Dybala tried to level the score in the sixth minute but Real's defender Sergio Ramos closed down the chance. Juventus got many chances but their conversion rate was very poor. The team looked under pressure.</p>

<p>In the second half, Charismatic Cristiano stunned the hosts by an amazing overhead kick to give a 2-0 lead.</p>

<p><img alt="Cristiano Ronaldo.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="https://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Cristiano%20Ronaldo.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p>Marcelo stunned Gigi Buffon to score the third goal to stretch the lead further.</p>

<p>Dybala received a yellow card in the first half but in the 66th minute, he was sent off by the referee for kicking into Carvajal’s ribs.</p>

<p>Also, Real Madrid's captain Sergio Ramos will miss the leg 2 clash which is scheduled on&nbsp;April 12.</p>

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Real Madrid thrashed Juventus by 3-0 in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8, (Ronaldo 3, 64, Marcelo 72)

Defending champions Real Madrid thrashed Juventus by 3-0 in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8 at Juventus Stadium, Italy. Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg. Now, the chances of reaching across the deficit are very less. Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid forward within three minutes after the game started as he netted a beautiful assist of Marcelo on the left-hand edge of the six-yard box. Though Real Madrid was leading but without a doubt, Juventus played better in the first half when it comes to intent and creating chances. Also, the Real's midfielder Toni Kroos was proved unlucky when his ferocious strike was deflected off the bar. Argentine Paulo Dybala tried to level the score in the sixth minute but Real's defender Sergio Ramos closed down the chance. Juventus got many chances but their conversion rate was very poor. The team looked under pressure. In the second half, Charismatic Cristiano stunned the hosts by an amazing overhead kick to give a 2-0 lead. Marcelo stunned Gigi Buffon to score the third goal to stretch the lead further. Dybala received a yellow card in the first half but in the 66th minute, he was sent off by the referee for kicking into Carvajal’s ribs. Also, Real Madrid's captain Sergio Ramos will miss the leg 2 clash which is scheduled on April 12. ×

Champions League: Ronaldo stuns Buffon as Real Madrid outplay Juventus

<p>The road to Russia is definitely not easy this time. Earlier, it was Argentina, which was struggling to qualify but somehow made it to Russia.</p>

<p>This time it was Italy. Poor performance in the whole season created a fuss in the end where they couldn&#39;t score against Sweden. Eventually, were ousted from the FIFA World Cup 2018. The Azzurri, four-time winners of football&#39;s most important trophy, will miss their first World Cup since 1958.</p>

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<p>Italy players dejected after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup (AFP)</p>
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<p>You might lose your heart in Italy but Italy losing in qualifiers is heartbreaking.</p>

<p>Daniel Pagani, a war correspondent with WION and an Italian, said, &quot;For Italians, it is a &#39;national tragedy&#39;. Losing to a mediocre side like Sweden is certainly heartbreaking. Every Italian is fond of the game they not only celebrate it but live with it. In Italy, people watch football with friends and family and cherish the memories forever&quot;.</p>

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<h5>FIFA 2018 seems incomplete without Italy but Sweden certainly deserves to enter the world cup as their performance was brilliant in both the legs.</h5>
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<p>FIFA 2018 seems incomplete without Italy but Sweden certainly deserves to enter the World Cup as their performance was brilliant in both the legs. In&nbsp;yesterday&#39;s game, they had 24 per cent possession and only 4 goal attempts, but still, they were able to hold Italian side. Italy underplayed not only in yesterday&#39;s game but throughout the season and now joins fellow big guns such as Chile and the Netherlands in missing out on Russia 2018.</p>

<p>Johan Castell, WION correspondent and a Swede, said, &quot;Sweden won! But we are not going to watch the World Cup (because Italy did not qualify). To beat a country whose national game is football is exponentially amazing. In Sweden, every football spectator will become a critic during a football match, so this moment is beyond magical to all Swedish. It seems Sweden is onto setting a new tradition of beating Italy in every 60 years and not letting them enter the World Cup&quot;.</p>

<p>Italy, with a very poor tactics, failed to reach next year&#39;s World Cup. If Italian team plays the way they did against Sweden then it is a better option to avoid playing in the World Cup. Even with 75 per cent ball possession and 27 goal attempts, they could not score a goal and let the Scandinavians sail through to the qualifiers with an aggregate of 0-1.</p>

<p><strong>What went wrong</strong></p>

<p>In the situation of &quot;do and die&quot; attack&nbsp;was the only option left for Italy but players like Lorenzo Insigne with 6 goals and 5 assists in the season spends 90 minutes on the bench. Even, Andrea Belotti and Stephan El Shaarawy were on the bench when the match started.</p>

<p>Daniele De Rossi snapped on the bench and vented his anger on a staff and also on the coach after the decision was taken to send him on as a substitute rather than Lorenzo Insigne. Later, Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura apologised for World Cup failure.</p>

<p>Digvijay Singh Deo, WION sports editor, who grew up supporting Italy was in distress to see the current schema of Italian Football Federation. He said, &quot;Italy used to be a trendsetter for the football fraternity but its ouster raises question&nbsp;on other important aspects. It&#39;s not about yesterday&#39;s game but there is a continuous decline in the quality in terms of players and management. Where are the players? Apart from Buffon, there is no one else to name. Italy as a team has tailed off from being the best to good&quot;.</p>

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<h5>After the match Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi announced retirement. This was maybe the last chance for Buffon to appear in the world cup.</h5>
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<p>Argentina also struggled to enter the World Cup but their star player Lionel Messi played his heart out when it was needed the most. But is there anyone in Italy who is like Messi? Where are the great players in Italy? Why did Italy stop producing legends?</p>

<p>After the match Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi announced retirement. This was maybe the last chance for Buffon to appear in the World Cup but he lost it. Though he performed exceptionally well in the game as well the season. His tearful exit seems like the end of an era.</p>

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<p>After the match Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi announced retirement. (AFP)</p>
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<p>On Buffon&#39;s retirement,&nbsp;Daniele Pagani&nbsp;said, &quot;Players like Buffon doesn&#39;t need to prove anything to the world but his retirement on a sad note is heart-rending, it&#39;s like Virat Kohli retires after losing against Kenya&quot;.</p>

<p>Collectively many things are responsible for Italy&#39;s ouster, for instance, it hasn&#39;t been able to collect itself from the tragic 3-0 defeat at the Bernabeu against Spain in September not just that it&#39;s also about their continuous decline in their game quality since 2008.</p>

<p>Italian Football Federation now have enough time to think that what went wrong. Whether it was coach Ventura&#39;s mistake or the whole system is somewhere to be blamed for the devastating and heartbreaking ouster of Italy.</p>


Italy failed to reach FIFA world cup 2018. Who is to blame?

The road to Russia is definitely not easy this time. Earlier, it was Argentina, which was struggling to qualify but somehow made it to Russia. This time it was Italy. Poor performance in the whole season created a fuss in the end where they couldn't score against Sweden. Eventually, were ousted from the FIFA World Cup 2018. The Azzurri, four-time winners of football's most important trophy, will miss their first World Cup since 1958. Italy players dejected after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup (AFP) × You might lose your heart in Italy but Italy losing in qualifiers is heartbreaking. Daniel Pagani, a war correspondent with WION and an Italian, said, "For Italians, it is a 'national tragedy'. Losing to a mediocre side like Sweden is certainly heartbreaking. Every Italian is fond of the game they not only celebrate it but live with it. In Italy, people watch football with friends and family and cherish the memories forever". FIFA 2018 seems incomplete without Italy but Sweden certainly deserves to enter the world cup as their performance was brilliant in both the legs. × FIFA 2018 seems incomplete without Italy but Sweden certainly deserves to enter the World Cup as their performance was brilliant in both the legs. In yesterday's game, they had 24 per cent possession and only 4 goal attempts, but still, they were able to hold Italian side. Italy underplayed not only in yesterday's game but throughout the season and now joins fellow big guns such as Chile and the Netherlands in missing out on Russia 2018. Johan Castell, WION correspondent and a Swede, said, "Sweden won! But we are not going to watch the World Cup (because Italy did not qualify). To beat a country whose national game is football is exponentially amazing. In Sweden, every football spectator will become a critic during a football match, so this moment is beyond magical to all Swedish. It seems Sweden is onto setting a new tradition of beating Italy in every 60 years and not letting them enter the World Cup". Italy, with a very poor tactics, failed to reach next year's World Cup. If Italian team plays the way they did against Sweden then it is a better option to avoid playing in the World Cup. Even with 75 per cent ball possession and 27 goal attempts, they could not score a goal and let the Scandinavians sail through to the qualifiers with an aggregate of 0-1. What went wrong In the situation of "do and die" attack was the only option left for Italy but players like Lorenzo Insigne with 6 goals and 5 assists in the season spends 90 minutes on the bench. Even, Andrea Belotti and Stephan El Shaarawy were on the bench when the match started. Daniele De Rossi snapped on the bench and vented his anger on a staff and also on the coach after the decision was taken to send him on as a substitute rather than Lorenzo Insigne. Later, Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura apologised for World Cup failure. Digvijay Singh Deo, WION sports editor, who grew up supporting Italy was in distress to see the current schema of Italian Football Federation. He said, "Italy used to be a trendsetter for the football fraternity but its ouster raises question on other important aspects. It's not about yesterday's game but there is a continuous decline in the quality in terms of players and management. Where are the players? Apart from Buffon, there is no one else to name. Italy as a team has tailed off from being the best to good". After the match Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi announced retirement. This was maybe the last chance for Buffon to appear in the world cup. × Argentina also struggled to enter the World Cup but their star player Lionel Messi played his heart out when it was needed the most. But is there anyone in Italy who is like Messi? Where are the great players in Italy? Why did Italy stop producing legends? After the match Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi announced retirement. This was maybe the last chance for Buffon to appear in the World Cup but he lost it. Though he performed exceptionally well in the game as well the season. His tearful exit seems like the end of an era. After the match Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi announced retirement. (AFP) × On Buffon's retirement, Daniele Pagani said, "Players like Buffon doesn't need to prove anything to the world but his retirement on a sad note is heart-rending, it's like Virat Kohli retires after losing against Kenya". Collectively many things are responsible for Italy's ouster, for instance, it hasn't been able to collect itself from the tragic 3-0 defeat at the Bernabeu against Spain in September not just that it's also about their continuous decline in their game quality since 2008. Italian Football Federation now have enough time to think that what went wrong. Whether it was coach Ventura's mistake or the whole system is somewhere to be blamed for the devastating and heartbreaking ouster of Italy.

Italy's ouster from football World Cup: What went wrong?

<p>Juventus beatn Crotone 3-0 to win their sixth consecutive league title.</p>

<p>The win means they have an unassailable fpour-point lead over second-placed AS Roma.</p>

<p>Massimiliano Allegri&#39;s men took a one-point lead over Roma into their penultimate game of the league campaign and needed a win to secure the title.</p>

<p>Ahead of their final game at Bologna next week, Juve are now four points ahead of their closest challengers.</p>

<p>Mandzukic gave the hosts a 12th minute lead when he met Juan Cuadrado&#39;s cross at the back post to fire past Alex Cordaz in the visitors&#39; net.</p>

<p>Croatia international Mandzukic, celebrating his 31st birthday, almost gave Juve a 2-0 lead before Fabio Sampirisi toe-poked the ball away from the big forward as he teed up.</p>

<p>But the fans who packed out Juve&#39;s stadium for their final home game of the campaign were not to be denied.</p>

<p>Dybala doubled the Turin giants&#39; lead with a sumptuous free kick that curled into the top corner to leave Cordaz with no chance six minutes before half-time.</p>

<p>And their third consecutive league and Cup double, also a record, was al but sealed seven minutes before full time when Cordaz palmed Sandro&#39;s bullet header in off the underside of the crossbar, goal-line technology confirming it had crossed the line.</p>

<p>Juventus&nbsp;will now turn their focus to winning an unprecedented club treble when they face 11-time champions Real Madrid in the Champions League June 3 final in Cardiff.</p>

<p><em>These are the five keys to Juventus&#39;s title success this season:</em></p>

<p><strong>Recruitment</strong></p>

<p>Juventus&#39;s path to a record sixth consecutive &#39;scudetto&#39;, and a possible treble of trophies, has been a steady work in progress but the Turin club&#39;s recruitment policy, particularly last summer, was key. Although coach Massimiliano Allegri picked his targets, most of the credit will go to general director Beppe Marotta, who thanks to some shrewd negotiating added quality to the squad -- and at a cut-price cost. Snapping up Paul Pogba on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012 and then selling the emerging French star back to the Premier League giants for 105m euros, an all-time record, last summer helped balance the books. It helped cushion the blow of paying 90m euros, an Italian record, to Napoli for the southerners&#39; 36-goal hero Gonzalo Higuain, whose 24 goals before their final game at Bologna was among the league&#39;s best. Following Andre Pirlo&#39;s departure in 2015, Juventus snapped up Bosnian free-kick specialist and midfielder Miralem Pjanic from Roma, in the process denting the capital club&#39;s title hopes. The cherry on the cake was the addition of former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, who arrived on a free transfer and has since proved pivotal to their success in Italy as well as their ongoing campaign in Europe.</p>

<p><strong>Tactics and man management</strong></p>

<p>Under Allegri, who in 2011 helped AC Milan end a seven-year wait for the scudetto, Juventus have become one of the most potent, well-rounded teams in Europe only four years after former coach Antonio Conte dismissed their chances of ever challenging for continental honours. Allegri&#39;s nose for tactics, and how to motivate his players has been crucial. After three years of playing a 3-5-2 formation under Conte, and failing to reach the Champions League final, Allegri has reached two in just three years, having opted earlier this season for a 4-2-3-1 that, with considerable focus on individual defensive duties as well as a potent attack, has won plaudits throughout the game. Thanks to evergreen goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and a rock-solid back four bossed by Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, Juve have conceded only 26 league goals so far. Pjanic overcame a mercurial start to the season to hit some crucial free-kicks for the champions, while Juve&#39;s attack -- a three-man front line of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado -- all supporting lone striker Higuain -- has scored a combined total of 43 goals.</p>

<p><strong>Flexible front men</strong></p>

<p>At the start of the campaign Allegri had a problem: making sure Higuain, freshly arrived from Napoli with a new 36-league goal Serie A record in his pocket, didn&#39;t go goal-hungry. To whet Higuain&#39;s appetite but also keep the Argentina striker within the realms of his tactical plan, Allegri reshuffled, and after a few teething problems found the magic formula. Allegri convinced Mario Mandzukic to take a role out wide on the left, a switch that, despite a comparative lack of goals, brought the best out of the Croatian striker who has won extra plaudits for some dogged defensive displays. Argentina starlet Paulo Dybala slipped into his preferred role just behind Higuain, allowing the diminutive playmaker free reign on the edge of the area to dazzle opposition defences, score goals and provide crosses into the danger zone. Colombian Juan Cuadrado was at home out wide on the right, where his pace and creativity are regular problems for opposition defences. With such support, Higuain could hardly complain. Although he remains four goals behind Serie A&#39;s leading scorer Edin Dzeko, who has hit 28, Higuain has fulfilled his wish of winning trophies in Italy.</p>

<p><strong>Rock solid defence</strong></p>

<p>Once known for the ultra-defensive &#39;catenaccio&#39; system, designed primarily to stop opposing teams from scoring, Italian teams have since woken up to the fact that attacking play is crucial to success if they are to keep pace in Europe. But one of the keys to Juve&#39;s success this season was Allegri&#39;s insistence on every player performing defensive duties. Most, even Higuain -- who received flak in the past for being overweight and shirking when it came to tracking back -- was receptive to the idea. Two years after losing the Champions League final 3-1 to Barcelona, Allegri dangled the carrot of another promising European campaign in front of the players. And to a man, the Bianconeri responded, upping their defensive game by chasing lost possession and tracking back to cut down opposition teams&#39; chances.</p>

<p><strong>Captain Buffon</strong></p>

<p>Juventus wouldn&#39;t be in their current position without long-serving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who at 39 years old remains the bedrock, and captain of the Turin giants as they head towards a possible treble, and he heads towards an expected retirement following an eventual Italy campaign at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Champions League title remains the only major accolade missing from the 2006 World Cup winner&#39;s list of honours, but Buffon has kept his eye on the ball no matter the opposition. Two years after being nominated for the UEFA save of the season award, when he stopped Dani Alves in the 2015 Champions League final, Buffon defied the onset of age to maintain spectacular form, earning his place on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon D&#39;Or, placing ninth in the final voting alongside Real Madrid centre-back Pepe. Last January Buffon was awarded the Serie A goalkeeper of the award for an 11th time.</p>

<p>(AFP)</p>


Juventus now have an unassailable four-point lead over Roma

Juventus beatn Crotone 3-0 to win their sixth consecutive league title. The win means they have an unassailable fpour-point lead over second-placed AS Roma. Massimiliano Allegri's men took a one-point lead over Roma into their penultimate game of the league campaign and needed a win to secure the title. Ahead of their final game at Bologna next week, Juve are now four points ahead of their closest challengers. Mandzukic gave the hosts a 12th minute lead when he met Juan Cuadrado's cross at the back post to fire past Alex Cordaz in the visitors' net. Croatia international Mandzukic, celebrating his 31st birthday, almost gave Juve a 2-0 lead before Fabio Sampirisi toe-poked the ball away from the big forward as he teed up. But the fans who packed out Juve's stadium for their final home game of the campaign were not to be denied. Dybala doubled the Turin giants' lead with a sumptuous free kick that curled into the top corner to leave Cordaz with no chance six minutes before half-time. And their third consecutive league and Cup double, also a record, was al but sealed seven minutes before full time when Cordaz palmed Sandro's bullet header in off the underside of the crossbar, goal-line technology confirming it had crossed the line. Juventus will now turn their focus to winning an unprecedented club treble when they face 11-time champions Real Madrid in the Champions League June 3 final in Cardiff. These are the five keys to Juventus's title success this season: Recruitment Juventus's path to a record sixth consecutive 'scudetto', and a possible treble of trophies, has been a steady work in progress but the Turin club's recruitment policy, particularly last summer, was key. Although coach Massimiliano Allegri picked his targets, most of the credit will go to general director Beppe Marotta, who thanks to some shrewd negotiating added quality to the squad -- and at a cut-price cost. Snapping up Paul Pogba on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012 and then selling the emerging French star back to the Premier League giants for 105m euros, an all-time record, last summer helped balance the books. It helped cushion the blow of paying 90m euros, an Italian record, to Napoli for the southerners' 36-goal hero Gonzalo Higuain, whose 24 goals before their final game at Bologna was among the league's best. Following Andre Pirlo's departure in 2015, Juventus snapped up Bosnian free-kick specialist and midfielder Miralem Pjanic from Roma, in the process denting the capital club's title hopes. The cherry on the cake was the addition of former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, who arrived on a free transfer and has since proved pivotal to their success in Italy as well as their ongoing campaign in Europe. Tactics and man management Under Allegri, who in 2011 helped AC Milan end a seven-year wait for the scudetto, Juventus have become one of the most potent, well-rounded teams in Europe only four years after former coach Antonio Conte dismissed their chances of ever challenging for continental honours. Allegri's nose for tactics, and how to motivate his players has been crucial. After three years of playing a 3-5-2 formation under Conte, and failing to reach the Champions League final, Allegri has reached two in just three years, having opted earlier this season for a 4-2-3-1 that, with considerable focus on individual defensive duties as well as a potent attack, has won plaudits throughout the game. Thanks to evergreen goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and a rock-solid back four bossed by Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, Juve have conceded only 26 league goals so far. Pjanic overcame a mercurial start to the season to hit some crucial free-kicks for the champions, while Juve's attack -- a three-man front line of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado -- all supporting lone striker Higuain -- has scored a combined total of 43 goals. Flexible front men At the start of the campaign Allegri had a problem: making sure Higuain, freshly arrived from Napoli with a new 36-league goal Serie A record in his pocket, didn't go goal-hungry. To whet Higuain's appetite but also keep the Argentina striker within the realms of his tactical plan, Allegri reshuffled, and after a few teething problems found the magic formula. Allegri convinced Mario Mandzukic to take a role out wide on the left, a switch that, despite a comparative lack of goals, brought the best out of the Croatian striker who has won extra plaudits for some dogged defensive displays. Argentina starlet Paulo Dybala slipped into his preferred role just behind Higuain, allowing the diminutive playmaker free reign on the edge of the area to dazzle opposition defences, score goals and provide crosses into the danger zone. Colombian Juan Cuadrado was at home out wide on the right, where his pace and creativity are regular problems for opposition defences. With such support, Higuain could hardly complain. Although he remains four goals behind Serie A's leading scorer Edin Dzeko, who has hit 28, Higuain has fulfilled his wish of winning trophies in Italy. Rock solid defence Once known for the ultra-defensive 'catenaccio' system, designed primarily to stop opposing teams from scoring, Italian teams have since woken up to the fact that attacking play is crucial to success if they are to keep pace in Europe. But one of the keys to Juve's success this season was Allegri's insistence on every player performing defensive duties. Most, even Higuain -- who received flak in the past for being overweight and shirking when it came to tracking back -- was receptive to the idea. Two years after losing the Champions League final 3-1 to Barcelona, Allegri dangled the carrot of another promising European campaign in front of the players. And to a man, the Bianconeri responded, upping their defensive game by chasing lost possession and tracking back to cut down opposition teams' chances. Captain Buffon Juventus wouldn't be in their current position without long-serving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who at 39 years old remains the bedrock, and captain of the Turin giants as they head towards a possible treble, and he heads towards an expected retirement following an eventual Italy campaign at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Champions League title remains the only major accolade missing from the 2006 World Cup winner's list of honours, but Buffon has kept his eye on the ball no matter the opposition. Two years after being nominated for the UEFA save of the season award, when he stopped Dani Alves in the 2015 Champions League final, Buffon defied the onset of age to maintain spectacular form, earning his place on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon D'Or, placing ninth in the final voting alongside Real Madrid centre-back Pepe. Last January Buffon was awarded the Serie A goalkeeper of the award for an 11th time. (AFP)

Five key reasons behind Juventus' sixth straight league title

Italy coach Antonio Conte said before Euro 2016 that his side would have to make up for their lack of talent with tactical cunning, and they did exactly that to sink Belgium 2-0 on Monday.<br />
<br />
In terms of pure footballing ability, Italy&#39;s current team is regarded as one of the country&#39;s weakest in years. Yet, they were still too streetwise for a Belgium team that once again failed to live up to expectations.<br />
<br />
The Azzurri&#39;s shortage of talent is such that 38-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is seen as their standout performer while Daniele De Rossi, once a purely destructive presence, has been recalled to dictate the passing in midfield.<br />
<br />
Riccardo Montolivo, Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, who might have added some class, are injured while maverick forward Mario Balotelli&#39;s career has gone so far off the rails that his exclusion from the squad went almost unnoticed.<br />
<br />
Monday&#39;s opening Group E performance was typical of Conte who won three successive Serie A titles in as many years at Juventus.<br />
<br />
In the last few months he has talked about understanding the importance of &quot;wearing the shirt&quot;, to the exclusion of almost anything else, and the players seem to have got the message.<br />
<br />
Italy appeared to line up with a 3-5-2 formation but this quickly reverted to a back line of five when the opposition had the ball and changed to an attacking four when they went forward.<br />
<br />
It required extraordinary work from the players and Italy were wilting by the end.<br />
<br />
The defence, featuring Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, was outstanding but this was by no means the sort of negative or cynical performance that has marred Italy&#39;s reputation in the past.<br />
<br />
Conte&#39;s men looked to attack in numbers when they had the chance and, for all of Belgium&#39;s possession, Thibaut Courtois was the busier goalkeeper.<br />
<br />
There was some gamesmanship to start with, but it didn&#39;t last. Having cleverly avoided any yellow cards in the first hour, Italy picked up four in the last third of the match as they stopped counter-attacks at all cost.<br />
<br />
Two excellent goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle capped Italy&#39;s display. Giaccherini&#39;s goal was his first in internationals since the Confederations Cup three years ago.<br />
<br />
In the meantime he has gone from a fringe player at Juventus to struggling for a place at Sunderland and finally to unglamorous Bologna, an example of how workmenlike players have replaced Italian artists such as Andrea Pirlo.

Conte's Azzuri battled from start to finish in the win

Italy coach Antonio Conte said before Euro 2016 that his side would have to make up for their lack of talent with tactical cunning, and they did exactly that to sink Belgium 2-0 on Monday. In terms of pure footballing ability, Italy's current team is regarded as one of the country's weakest in years. Yet, they were still too streetwise for a Belgium team that once again failed to live up to expectations. The Azzurri's shortage of talent is such that 38-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is seen as their standout performer while Daniele De Rossi, once a purely destructive presence, has been recalled to dictate the passing in midfield. Riccardo Montolivo, Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, who might have added some class, are injured while maverick forward Mario Balotelli's career has gone so far off the rails that his exclusion from the squad went almost unnoticed. Monday's opening Group E performance was typical of Conte who won three successive Serie A titles in as many years at Juventus. In the last few months he has talked about understanding the importance of "wearing the shirt", to the exclusion of almost anything else, and the players seem to have got the message. Italy appeared to line up with a 3-5-2 formation but this quickly reverted to a back line of five when the opposition had the ball and changed to an attacking four when they went forward. It required extraordinary work from the players and Italy were wilting by the end. The defence, featuring Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, was outstanding but this was by no means the sort of negative or cynical performance that has marred Italy's reputation in the past. Conte's men looked to attack in numbers when they had the chance and, for all of Belgium's possession, Thibaut Courtois was the busier goalkeeper. There was some gamesmanship to start with, but it didn't last. Having cleverly avoided any yellow cards in the first hour, Italy picked up four in the last third of the match as they stopped counter-attacks at all cost. Two excellent goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle capped Italy's display. Giaccherini's goal was his first in internationals since the Confederations Cup three years ago. In the meantime he has gone from a fringe player at Juventus to struggling for a place at Sunderland and finally to unglamorous Bologna, an example of how workmenlike players have replaced Italian artists such as Andrea Pirlo.

Scrappy Italy take Belgium down

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