The Guardian Football Weekly Podcast with Gianluigi Buffon

I had the opportunity to interpret for The Guardian Football Weekly podcast interview with Gianluigi Buffon — a completely different setting, but just as intense and memorable.

A big thank you again to the team, especially Barry Glendenning and Nicky Bandini, for such a thoughtful and engaging conversation.

What stood out most?

Gigi’s passion.

He could genuinely talk for hours — reflecting on his career, his struggles with mental health, his love for art, and the deeper meaning behind everything he’s experienced on and off the pitch. It’s the kind of conversation that requires full presence, constant focus, and being ready to follow wherever it goes.

Good job I came prepared.

Two large notebooks, a few pens, and a system of symbols that, to many, probably looked like a different language altogether. There was definitely some curiosity in the room about my note-taking – but yes, they were all used… and look here’s proof 😄

What you don’t always see in these moments is how much of interpreting is about anticipation. Listening beyond words, tracking ideas, and being ready for when a speaker like Buffon dives deep, switches pace, or follows a completely new thread.

Especially in a format like a podcast where everything feels more fluid, more conversational, and less structured.

It was a real privilege to support such an open and honest exchange.

Full episode now live on The Guardian Football Weekly, link below 🎧✨

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtvs83yeCBU

Gianluigi Buffon Interview at The Guardian

This April (2026), in London, I had the privilege of working as an Italian conference interpreter during an in-depth interview between Don McRae and Gianluigi Buffon – one of the most iconic goalkeepers in the history of football – at The Guardian’s premises.

A conversation that moved far beyond football — touching on identity, legacy, pressure, and transition at the highest level of the game.

What often remains unseen is the preparation behind moments like this:
immersing yourself in past interviews, reading extensively, and even revisiting footage to fully immerse yourself in Buffon’s journey  — long before the conversation begins.

Then, a quiet, intimate setting.

A small table, a handful of people, and a conversation carrying both personal depth and global resonance.

In those moments, my role is not simply to translate —but to enable a Guardian-level conversation with a global icon, exploring identity, legacy, and transition, while carrying nuance, intent, and presence in real time.

A demanding, high-trust environment — and a deeply rewarding experience. 🏆

Very grateful to have supported this exchange and hopefully many more to come ✨

Read the full interview by Don McRae : https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/22/gianluigi-buffon-unbeatable-omnipotent-italy-world-cup-goalkeeper-interview