Gianluigi Buffon is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation and spent the majority of his illustrious career at Juventus. During his time in Turin, he worked under several managers, but one of the most influential figures was Massimiliano Allegri.
Allegri enjoyed two separate stints as Juventus manager, with his first spell widely seen as a golden era for the club. Buffon played a crucial role during that period, helping the team reach new heights in both domestic and European competitions. Although the goalkeeper was no longer at Juventus when Allegri returned in 2021, their shared time during the manager’s initial tenure left a lasting impression.
Allegri and Buffon’s Working Relationship
Buffon was the embodiment of reliability between the posts and served as a leader both on and off the pitch. His performances were integral to the success Juventus enjoyed under Allegri during their first spell together. The mutual respect between the two was evident throughout their time at the club, with Buffon often acting as the backbone of Allegri’s defensive setup.
Now retired from professional football, Buffon has reflected on the relationships he had with his managers. As quoted by Football Italia, he shared a particularly memorable comment made by Allegri during their time at Juventus: “Allegri said to me that my greatest strength was my tendency to experience everything with a total state of recklessness. Every now and then I think about that and feel maybe he was right.”
A Legendary Partnership
Allegri’s remark highlights the unique mentality Buffon brought to his game. That sense of fearlessness and his willingness to throw himself into high-pressure situations defined his style and contributed significantly to his legendary status. It also illustrates the personal rapport between player and manager, which was built on trust, understanding and mutual appreciation.
Buffon remains one of the most iconic figures in Juventus’ history, and it is clear that Allegri held him in high regard. Their successful partnership will be remembered as a key component of the club’s dominance during the 2010s.
