ITALY
Buffon cites Astori among reasons for Italy return
The shock death of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori was among the reasons goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon came out of international retirement.

Gianluigi Buffon says Davide Astori's death was one of the reasons he wanted to return to international duty with Italy.
Buffon stepped away from Azzurri action after Italy's surprise failure to reach the World Cup, his side losing a play-off against Sweden in November that left the Juventus goalkeeper in tears.
But the 40-year-old is back in the squad named by interim Italy coach Luigi Di Biagio for upcoming friendlies against Argentina and England.
Juventus' goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon looks on during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Atalanta on March 14, 2018 MARCO BERTORELLO (AFP)
Buffon, who holds the Italian national record of 175 caps, suggested the shock death of Fiorentina captain Astori was among the factors involved in his decision to reverse his retirement.
"I am a coherent and responsible person," Buffon said. "That's enough to explain my presence here. "I've always been able to unite this squad and I'd like people to see my presence here under this point of view. "Many youths will thrive, some of them are ready and will have their chance to shine. "I am here for Astori as well, it's another reason why I wanted to be here."
Recommended in English
- CRYPTOCURRENCY What are the cryptocurrencies that have increased the most in value this year?
- NBA Lakers' Anthony Davis: "The whole world wants to see us lose"
- NBA 76ers star Embiid suggests Philadelphia NBA MVP bias
- NBA Heat's Kyle Lowry handed ovation on emotional Toronto return
- NBA Warriors head coach Steve Kerr speaks against gun violence after Sacramento Shooting
- NBA Nets coach Steve Nash rules Simmons out of NBA Play-In