What some considered impossible has turned into a reality. Italy will break their streak of consecutive World Cup performances, and their captain could not hold back his tears after their elimination.
Moments after their goalless draw against Sweden, Buffon stepped up to share his feelings on the team's elimination from the World Cup. Classy as always, Buffon admitted the team lacked what it takes to play in the global competition.
| #Buffon: "I'm not sorry for myself but all of Italian football. We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There's regret at finishing like that, not because time passes." #ItalySweden
— Italy (@azzurri) November 13, 2017
| #Buffon: ""We have pride, strength and we're stubborn. We know how to get back up again as we've always done. I'm leaving an Italy side that will know how to speak for itself. Hugs to everyone, especially those I've shared this wonderful journey with."
— Italy (@azzurri) November 13, 2017
With every passing second, Buffon seemed to be ready to burst in tears. He ended up doing so while speaking about his retirement from the Azzurri side.