Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon was surprised by the club’s decision not to renew the contract of attacker Paulo Dybala.
However, the 44-year-old, now on the Serie B side in Parma, does not believe the Bianconeri made a mistake by allowing Dybala to leave, noting Juventus’ progress under Massimiliano Allegri.
The club confirmed last month that Dybala would be allowed to leave at the end of his contract in June, despite the Argentine scoring 13 goals (eight goals, five assists) in 23 Serie A games this season.
Of the Juventus players, only Alvaro Morata (who also has eight goals and five assists), could match the 28-year-old’s result this season.
“I was not expecting it,” Buffon told La Stampa about Dybala’s departure. “But the club was straightforward and honest.
“They did not renew his contract because they felt he was not working for the job, not because he was poor.
“He’s going to do great things, but that doesn’t mean Juve made a mistake. The camp says the team is improving.”
Juventus have played well in the title race after scoring more goals in the second half of the Serie A season than any other team (28), with their six-point lead over Milan being the closest Old Lady ever to the conference. since August.
Their quest for the 10th title in 11 years will face Bologna on Saturday, with Dybala, the most notable of his rivals Inter, with seven goals and one assist in 11 Serie A. games.
Buffon was again questioned about the Italian national team’s fortunes after European champions Roberto Mancini failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second time in a row, losing to North Macedonia in a qualifier last month.
Buffon, who won 176 games for the Azzurri and played in the 2006 World Cup, said Mancini should take the lead in their struggles despite leading Italy to the Euro 2020 title.
“He was the artist of the Azzurri revival, but he has a responsibility,” Buffon said of Mancini.
“There is a way and a way … if you lose a penny in Portugal, it is one thing, North Macedonia is strong [excuses].
“In 2010 I realized that things were changing, we had to celebrate graduation. We lack quality and bad. If we are motivated, we give our best; if not, we can lose anyone.”
