Salvatore Sirigu says he is honoured to be playing alongside Gigi Buffon even if that meant to settle with a place on the Italy bench.

The PSG goalkeeper made his Azzurri debut in 2010 but has only 15 caps to his name since.

Buffon has picked up 156 appearances since making his debut in 1997, and will captain the side at this summer’s European Championships, barring injury.

“I think it’s fundamental for me to do what I’ve done up to now,” Sirigu told a news conference at Coverciano as Italy stepped up their preparations for Sunday’s friendly international against Scotland at the National Stadium.

“I haven’t played much, but I always had to be ready. I must always try to remain focused.

“That’s how it was at PSG, and I hope it’ll be like that if I’m called-upon for the national team.

“I think for myself and other goalkeepers, to knock aside the certainty that is Buffon is almost impossible, but I’m very happy with what I’ve done for the national team.

“When I think of this journey, the honour of having played with Buffon will be greater than anything else. They will definitely be beautiful memories.

“When you’re in the national team it’s important to play, but it’s different for goalkeepers.”

Sirigu is under contract at PSG for another two seasons, but he admitted that he could leave this summer.

“I think when you have a year like I did, the financial aspect is less important than other things.”

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