Juventus captain Gigi Buffon says Antonio Conte must take Italy to the 2018 World Cup.

Conte's deal with FIGC expires after the Euros.

“I think the group Conte picked is already giving the response he wanted, so I hope this love affair can continue and reap rewards for Italy," said Buffon.

“We must hope Italy have a good Euros so that the rapport with the Coach continues. It's true we lost to Belgium, but we played on the same level as one of the strongest sides in the world."