4) Gianluigi Buffon
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It is a near impossible task to write something about Gianluigi ‘Gigi’ Buffon that has not been recorded already. The 38-year-old custodian of the Italian goal made his international debut in 1997 and has won 159 caps in in the intervening 20 odd years.
Cut to the present, and Buffon is a prime example of longevity and consistency, at the highest level. The Italian captain is an enigmatic character, and his sheer presence can have an uplifting effect on the entire Italian squad.
Having suffered innumerable highs and lows both with club and country, Buffon is no stranger to pressure situations. His memorable save in extra time, off a Zinedine Zidane header, in the final of 2006 can still wet many an eye of fans of the Azzurri.
Having won the World Cup in 2006, a European Championship winner’s medal has eluded Buffon over the years. Having reached the final 4 years ago only to be humiliated by Spain, Buffon will be gunning for revenge.
