Football: Donnarumma Sights Italy Gloves As Buffon Sets Date

MILAN, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Dec, 2016 ) - AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma moved a virtual step closer to taking over as Italy's number one goalkeeper after Azzurri legend Gianluigi Buffon said he is likely to retire in 2018.

Juventus shot-stopper Buffon earned his 167th cap in a goalless friendly with Germany last month -- when Donnarumma played the second half to make his second Azzurri appearance -- to pull level with retired Spain legend and fellow goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Buffon is now just 17 caps behind world record-holder Ahmed Hassan of Egpyt (184), a tally he may just overtake depending on how Italy fare at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In comments to Premium Sport, Buffon said: "My idea is to leave football as a player after the 2018 World Cup.

I'm pretty sure of it." Buffon said there was "only a remote possibility" he could extend his long and storied career beyond that date.