Is it time De Sanctis took over from Buffon?

Some might say the first name on Italy's teamsheet these days is the captain. The main man. The one with the silky hair. Yep, once the best goalkeeper in the world. Just look at some of his RIDICULOUS saves in his Parma days to see why this man will retire a legend. But right now, age is creeping up on Gigi, and he has made some costly mistakes that have lead to very costly goals. Now, with Italy wanting to make an impression yet again on the world, is it really fair for Buffon to be given that spot ahead of other better performers?

Without a doubt, in my opinion, the best Italian keeper is De Sanctis. Roma have not shipped too many goals have they? I think it is madness Napoli let him go and right now, Roma have a GREAT asset to help them reach the promised land they once crossed so many years ago. Actually, ages ago. But, surely, De Sanctis has been the better performer and surely, he should be given the starting berth. I think Italians would feel more at ease with De Sanctis stopping shots from Klose, Neymar, Cristiano, Messi and Drogba than Buffon.


But I strongly doubt that will happen. Buffon, unless injury occurs, will keep his place. Yes, he still has that amazing save in him...but the old legs are coming. He just doesn't have those quick reflexes anymore. There comes a time when you must step aside and allow a younger and quicker keeper to enter. Remember, when it gets to those latter stages, that vital save may be the difference between winning and losing the match. De Sanctis may have prevented those goals from Silva and Alba in that Euro final. Perhaps...


I have always liked Buffon. I loved him even more when he stayed with Juventus in Serie B when he was considered one of the best keepers in the world. However, I have to put personal feelings aside and assess what I see. De Sanctis is the future of Italy in goal, and he SHOULD be the number one very soon. But I look at this young Italian team lead by Balotelli, Insigne and Giovinco. I think it would be a detriment if Prandelli does not pick EVERY SINGLE POSITION based on performance...rather than sentiment.


HH