Buffon: Italy knew in June this year that they might have to play in the play-offs. I cannot tolerate malicious criticism.

In an interview with DAZN, Buffon, the manager of the Italian national team, talked about World Cup qualifying, play-offs and other topics.

In the last round of World Cup European qualifiers, Italy lost 1-4 at home to Norway.

The important thing is to have a reason to stand up again. We lost miserably to Norway in the last round of World Cup qualifying, and the final score of 1-4 remains in people's minds. But we need to analyze the game carefully, and I prefer to point out the fact that the score was still tied at 1-1 in the 78th minute of the game. Norway is very strong and they have 3 or 4 players whose quality is enviable.

Italy will participate in the World Cup play-offs in March next year. Some people have suggested that Serie A should be suspended before that to allow the national team to better train and prepare.

For everyone and all clubs, if players can be allowed to train for a few days in February next year, this will be a good signal to Italian football.

Needing to participate in the World Cup play-offs, will this affect the psychology of the national team?

When Gattuso first took office, we were 90% certain of our destiny. What cannot be denied is that we have known since June this year that we are likely to participate in the play-offs. The only mistake we cannot make is to think about the final before the play-off semi-finals. Only by successfully passing the semi-finals against Northern Ireland first can we think about the next game.

What do you think of the current external public opinion?

Public opinion and the media should reduce the current divisive attitude. This is an issue that needs to be handled carefully. I don't like the current contradictory situation. It saddens me that some people seem to enjoy finding fault with Italy and it doesn't deserve this. Instead of always saying "In the past we had Vieri, Ambrosini..." start appreciating the current players. It would be better for everyone if we all worked together in a constructive way moving forward.

Do you think some of the criticism of the national team is excessive?

I see someone secretly stirring up trouble. This is bad behavior and does not represent Italy. We must abandon it. Some criticisms have ulterior motives and are not for the benefit of the national team but to attract attention and are therefore destructive. We cannot tolerate this. When the World Cup comes, there will be a magical atmosphere throughout the country and we want to be able to experience that feeling again, so we have to be ready for it. We have to go into the play-offs with confidence and think about everyone working together to win the game. At least we have to have this positive mentality and motivation.