According to reports, the retired goalkeeper, now serving as the head of the Italian national team under Luciano Spalletti, attended the Turin Book Fair to launch his new book.

The book reflects on his professional career and personal life, prompting questions about some of his most controversial moments.

Buffon has had a challenging relationship with referees throughout his career, including Byron Moreno, the infamous referee who officiated Italy’s elimination against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup.

He said: “I liked almost all the referees I faced,” and added with a laugh: “Everyone saw—and rightfully so—that Moreno was the real enemy who eliminated us. Of course, we were probably at fault too, but his refereeing in that game was truly despicable. When we left the airport, people were almost applauding us.”

Buffon’s Mixed Feelings About the Clash with Michael Oliver

Buffon also believes he was wronged when Juventus were eliminated from the Champions League in April 2018 after a dramatic comeback against Real Madrid was overturned by a last-minute penalty decision.

He furiously protested against the referee and was sent off for excessive dissent. Buffon later told reporters: “Only an animal could make such a decision, someone with a trash can instead of a heart.”

Seven Years Later, What Does He Think About That Moment?

Buffon laughed and said: “It was one of the peaks of my career. Now, years later, I’m ashamed of what I said. Back then, I was old enough to know better. I was the team’s representative, the captain. Still, I must admit that if I had to go back, I’d say the exact same thing again.”

“At that moment, it wasn’t just a defeat we experienced—it was something special, an epic comeback, in a legendary stadium, with a team that showed extraordinary character and unity. We were crazy and dreamers. To this day, I don’t know why I was sent off, so my anger in the interviews stemmed from that too.”