![FILE -- In the June 17, 2016 file photo Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrates his team's victory at the end of the Euro 2016 Group E soccer match between Italy and Sweden at the Stadium municipal in Toulouse, France. Twenty years after he made his Italy debut on a snowy pitch in a World Cup playoff in Russia, the Azzurri captain's international future hinges on another playoff against Sweden. If Italy advances, 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. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IS4GCPHMASRCZJAR5PO26JLYHI.jpg?smart=true&auth=9d7e0ee388c5fc7dfc1858096ea619ca797ac152fc4be0c84c3d9832dabeb9de&width=400&height=225)
Gianluigi Buffon has the challenge of guiding Italy to the 2018 World Cup finals in front of him. Andrew Medichini / AP Photo
Gianluigi Buffon has the challenge of guiding Italy to the 2018 World Cup finals in front of him. Andrew Medichini / AP Photo
Buffon's experienced Italy favourites to beat Sweden in upcoming World Cup play-offs
At 40, it looks like 2018 will be last chance for veteran goalkeeper and 2006 tournament winner to play on global stage