Gianluigi Buffon is a legend.
The Italy goalkeeper’s trophy collection is filled with silverware and his status as the world’s greatest ever goalkeeper is probably secure.
So to see such an accomplished figure falling over while trying to swing from the crossbar following Italy’s 2-0 win over Belgium is quite a tremendous sight. Scroll down the page to watch the video.
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Buffon was kept busy throughout Italy’s opening game in the 2016 European Championship as they look to avenge that embarrassing defeat to Spain in the final four years ago.
Goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle put Antonio Conte’s team top of Group E following Sweden’s 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland earlier today.
Buffon falls from the crossbar
Impressive performance
Not much is expected of this Italy team - they are without the illustrious trio of Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio - but if the defence remains as stout as it was on Monday, Italy will be a force.
Afterwards, Buffon praised Conte’s tactics as Belgium struggled to find a way past a resilient Azzurri defence.
“We won in the only way we can,” the Juventus goalkeeper said, per Italy’s Twitter account. “It was a sign of humility and awareness. Our organisation came from the coach.
"My leadership? It's right for the more experienced players to have responsibility. We are compact and we want to suffer.
"We must stay humble. This can't be a pyrrhic victory, we must now look to Sweden.”
Buffon, 38, announced in March his plans to retire in two years’ time, meaning this is his final opportunity to get his hands on the Henri Delaunay Trophy.
There won’t be a single player or fan upset if, come July 10, Buffon has his hands around the coveted trophy.
How far will Italy go at Euro 2016? Let us know in the comments section below!
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