Gianluigi Buffon annoints Gianluigi Donnarumma as 'the chosen one'... but Italian legend isn't stepping aside yet 

Gianluigi Donnarumma is 'the chosen one' to take over from Gianluigi Buffon in goal for Italy, but the veteran keeper is not ready to step aside just yet.

Donnarumma, still just 17 years old, has been called up by new coach Giampiero Ventura for Italy's friendly against France and the first game of their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

And while Buffon admitted that the teenager will be the future No 1, he insisted that he is still able to continue between the posts for the time being.

Gianluigi Buffon (right) has insisted he will be part of Giampiero Ventura's new set-up

Buffon is now 38, but says he can still contribute to the Italian side in the current campaign

Buffon admitted 17-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma is 'the chosen one' to replace him

'Donnarumma is a chosen one,' Buffon said. 'There's a new project, and we're ready to make our quality available to the coach.

'When you feel you still have something to give then you're ready for a new project.'

Buffon made his debut for Italy back in 1997, and is hoping to make his sixth World Cup in Russia.

But the Juventus No 1 admits this will be the most difficult qualification campaign of his career, with the Italians in a group with Spain. 

Only one side qualifies automatically, and with Albania, Israel, Macedonia and Liechtenstein in their group it will not be an easy ride for Ventura's side.  

'It's important to be mentally ready for a match like France vs Italy,' added Buffon. This is the most difficult phase of World Cup qualifying in my career.

'We have the desire to cry again, but [cry] with joy.'

But the Italian (right, pictured in 1998) says he will not step aside for the youngster just yet

The Juventus No 1 admits Italy face the toughest qualification campaign of his career