Gianluigi Buffon looks set to extend his international career after being included in Italy’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Argentina and England.
The Juventus goalkeeper fought back tears when announcing his retirement after the Azzurri lost 1-0 on aggregate to Sweden in a World Cup playoff last November, Beinsports reported.
However, the 40-year-old has softened his stance since then and, having held a meeting with interim Italy coach Luigi Di Biagio in February, could now add to his national record of 175 caps.
As well as picking Buffon, Di Biagio–who has stepped up from his role as Under-21 boss on a temporary basis–has also named uncapped forwards Federico Chiesa and Patrick Cutrone in a 26-man squad.
There is a recall for Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura, who won the last of his eight caps in December 2016, but Mario Balotelli and Simone Zaza both miss out.
Italy faces Argentina at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on March 23 before taking on England at Wembley four days later.
