Gianluigi Buffon made his Italy debut at just 19 in a World Cup qualifying play-off against Russia. On 29th October, it was 22 years since that game. The keeper still plays today and performs at a high level for Juventus.
Gianluigi Buffon's story has been full of milestones since his Serie A debut. He also starred for Italy in style, at just 19 years old and saving his men from a historic elinination which would have seen them miss on the 1998 World Cup.
Because Italy did what they usually do. In the group stage, the Azzurri were with England, Poland, Georgia, Moldova and the Italians did not lose a game. The nil-nil draws in Chorzow and Tbilisi meant the last game against England was like a knockout game.
On English soil, Italy won 0-1, but two consecutive draws meant Cesare Maldini's men had to beat England in Roma. Italy drew 0-0 once again and had to face Russia in a tricky play-off.
Over there in inclement conditions and lots of snow, Gianluigi Buffon stepped up to the mark. The keeper had to make his Italy debut because of Pagliuca's injury.
He made various great saves and Italy returned home with a 1-1 draw. In the second leg, a game Buffon did not play, Italy won 1-0 in Naples to qualify for the World Cup.
22 years later, the keeper, has been in the news because of his return to Juventus at 41. The footballer spoke about his time at PSG and how lonliness made him return to Juve after one year away. When he made those spectacular saves in Russia, he did not know he would become a footballing legend.