Buffon back for friendlies

Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon looks set for a return to international action in friendlies against England and Argentina in March, interim national coach Luigi Di Biagio said yesterday.

"I spoke to him, he will probably be part of the group in March, a player like him cannot stop after Sweden," said Di Biagio.

Buffon was inconsolable as he announced his retirement after Italy's disastrous 1-0 aggregate play-off defeat to Sweden in the San Siro last November, as the Azzurri failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

The 40-year-old Juventus goalkeeper had represented the Azzurri for 20 years, winning the 2006 World Cup title, and earning a record 175 caps in a brilliant career. He had been bidding for a record sixth World Cup appearance.

"It's not fair that his last game was the one against Sweden, so I proposed that he come back for one, two or possibly three games. Gigi (Buffon) will probably be there in March," continued Di Biagio of friendlies against Argentina and England, in Manchester and London on March 23 and 27.