10 football players who could become great managers in the future

#7 Gianluigi Buffon

Juventus v Udinese Calcio - Serie A

Gianluigi Buffon is a veteran of the modern-day game. The Italian shot-stopper made his debut with Parma in 1995 and has carved himself a legacy in Italian football. The 42-year-old is still going strong with Juventus after a short stint at Paris Saint-Germain and has a trophy cabinet teeming with success.

The Juventus legend has never shied away from discussing his retirement and insists that he will strive to continue as a fixture between the sticks for as long as his fitness sustains him. Buffon also discussed his coaching ambitions in a recent interview and has voiced his aspirations of coaching the Italian national team.

"I feel within me the need to take this challenge on. I feel the essence of life is to say that at the end of my life I can be satisfied with what I've achieved because you've lived your life to the full."

Italy's most capped player has a certain aura about him, and one wouldn't bet against the Juventus goalkeeper taking over as Italy's manager in the future.

Buffon has been an integral part of the football world for nearly 25 years, and has evolved and adapted to changing tactics and environments with immense success. Managing the national team would be a challenge like no other, but Buffon is well aware that he is fully equipped to step up to the job.