Gigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper, has recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Italian football in an interview with [**La Stamp**](https://www.lastampa.it/sport/2024/12/24/news/buffon_autobiografia_intervista-14904357/)a. Now retired and serving as the sporting director for the Italian national team, Buffon offered insights on Serie A’s transformation, Atalanta’s impressive performance, and the ongoing debate between Massimiliano Allegri and Thiago Motta.
Buffon believes that Italian football has undergone significant changes, positioning itself just behind the English Premier League. He noted a cultural revolution led by many coaches, making Serie A matches more entertaining to watch. “Our football has changed. After the English Premier League, we’re next. We’ve changed our mindset, and I’m thinking about the cultural revolution brought by many coaches: now it’s enjoyable to watch Serie A matches,” Buffon remarked.
Regarding Atalanta’s consistent success, Buffon expressed no surprise. He praised the club’s long-term vision, stating, “Atalanta is a team that’s good for everyone. I’m not surprised because in football, as in life, you can’t improvise if you want to reach certain levels. The Percassi family’s club is a forward-thinking project that has been in place for quite some time.”
When asked about the comparison between Thiago Motta and Massimiliano Allegri, Buffon was quick to dismiss the notion. He holds Motta in high regard, expressing confidence in what he’s building at Bologna. “I have great respect for Thiago, and I’m very confident about what he’s constructing. When you intervene so deeply, it takes time,” Buffon explained. He emphasized Motta’s meticulous approach and experience at high levels, urging everyone to support him.
However, Buffon strongly objected to comparisons between Motta and Allegri. “Enough with the comparison to Allegri, it’s completely baseless. One has won a lot, Thiago is just starting now. Those who compare them are driven by a desire to annoy the environment,” he stated firmly.