Italy's interim coach Di Biagio promises a rebuild - will Buffon stay on board?

Coverciano (SID) The interim coach of the Italian national football team, Luigi Di Biagio, promises to rebuild the Squadra Azzurra after the embarrassing failure in the World Cup qualification last November. He does not consider himself an interim coach, but feels effective as a coach of the Squadra, said the 46-year-old during his official introduction as interim coach at the Azzurri's training camp in Coverciano near Florence on Monday. He succeeds - at least temporarily - the unsuccessful Gian Piero Ventura. "The only thing that matters to me is making the best of this team. The World Cup exit was a bad chapter for Italian football, but now we have to rebuild," said Di Biagio. The interim coach will coach the Azzurri in the international matches against Argentina and England scheduled for March. Di Biagio said he had asked captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has retired from the national team, to play another two or three games with the four-time world champion. Star defender Giorgio Chiellini is also ready to play again. "I want to create a right mix of experienced players and young talent. At this stage, Italy needs more a person to select the right players than a coach," said Di Biagio. His experience as a coach of the U21 national team will benefit him. The association is still looking for a permanent successor for Ventura. It cannot be ruled out that Di Biagio will remain in office for the time being after the international matches in March.

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Italy's interim coach Di Biagio promises a rebuild - will Buffon stay on board?

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