The goalkeeper was left inconsolable after a draw against Sweden left them without hope of making the tournament, and Zoff sympathised with him
Legendary former Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff admitted that it was the image of Gianluigi Buffon crying that really brought home to him what Italy's World Cup qualifying meltdown meant.
The Azzurri drew 0-0 with Sweden on Monday to crash out of the running for next year's finals in Russia, losing 1-0 on aggregate.
It was the first time in over 60 years that Italy have failed to qualify for a World Cup, and marks the end of an era for several players in the team.