Buffon on cusp of history

ROME, Italy (AP):

Gianluigi Buffon's career is coming full circle. Twenty years after making his Italy debut on a snowy field in a World Cup playoff in Russia, the Azzurri captain's international future hinges on another playoff against Sweden.

If Italy advance, Buffon can conclude his Italy career where it started at next year's tournament in Russia.

A loss would almost certainly mark his final appearance for the national team.

"It's a nice connection but I would have gladly done without it," Buffon said. "It's always a risk. The important thing is that the result is the same as 20 years ago."

In one of the four European playoffs, Italy travel to Stockholm for the opening leg tomorrow. The return match will be at the San Siro in Milan three days later.