Buffon reaches landmark as Germany holds Italy
Milan - Gianluigi Buffon earned a European record-equalling 167th cap as Italy played out a goalless friendly draw with its Euro 2016 quarter-final tormentors Germany in Milan on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old Buffon, who made his Italy debut in 1997, is now level with retired Spain legend and fellow goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Although Buffon is now just 17 behind world record-holder Ahmed Hassan of Egpyt (184), the appearance of AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma for a more positive second half was a reminder that retirement may not be too far off.
Hosting Germany just four months after a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat ended its Euro 2016 hopes in Bordeaux, Italy was looking to end its three-game winless streak against the world champion.
But the host failed to transform a promising finish to the game into a win, Torino striker Andrea Belotti notably hitting the upright late on.
Like Italy coach Giampiero Ventura, Germany boss Joachim Low has one eye on the future and made several changes to his established starting line-up.
Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil were both rested, and regular skipper and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was out with a virus, handing Bernd Leno the gloves for the night.
Donnarumma, just 17, replaced Buffon to warm applause for the start of the second half, claiming only his second cap after making his debut against France in September.
Italy threatened when Belotti drilled a high shot wide of post and bar after finding space from 20 yards out. Belotti and Ciro Immobile, who combined have scored seven of Italy's last nine goals, were finally beginning to gel.
But the hosts saw claims for a penalty waved away after Belotti squeezed between Shkodran Mustafi and Jonathan Tah before tumbling in the area.
Italy enjoyed a positive finish, but failed to breach the Germany goal.
Substitute Federico Bernardeschi should have done better than shoot tamely at Leno and Lazio striker Immobile curled a shot wide after being set up by Belotti.
The Torino forward could have nicked the win late on, but he saw his low angled strike come off the base of the far upright with Leno beaten.