Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says Italy's World Cup failure will be good for the nation long-term.

Italy's World Cup campaign in South Africa was the worst in their history.

"We were an unfortunate surprise of this tournament and a big one at that," said the goalkeeper.

"Nobody could've imagined we would go out in the first round, especially after that draw.

"However, even if we had qualified, we would not have gone very far. This is what I realised over the last few days.

"Perhaps this humiliation can be useful for the future and force us to examine ourselves carefully. We need to meditate on what we are really worth."