Buffon surprised by Dybala's call to leave Juventus but backs the club

Juventus veteran

Gianluigi Buffon

was taken aback by the club's course of action not to extend forward Paulo Dybala's contract. 

However, the 44-year-old, who is currently with Serie B club Parma, believes the

did not make a mistake by allowing Dybala to depart, citing Juventus' growth under Massimiliano Allegri. 

Despite having 13 goal involvements (eight goals, five assists) in 23

games this season, the club revealed last month that Dybala will be free to go at the conclusion of his contract in June. 

Only Morata (also eight goals and five assists) has matched the 28-year-productivity old's this season among Juve's players.

"I didn't expect it," Buffon told La Stampa of Dybala's departure. "But the club was direct and honest. 

"They didn't renew his contract because they consider him not functional to the project, not because he is poor. 

"He will do great things, but it does not mean that Juve made a mistake. The camp says the group is improving."

Juventus has fought their way into title contention after collecting more points in the second half of the Serie A season than any other team (28), and their six-point deficit to toppers

is the smallest the Old Lady has been since August. 

On Saturday, they face Bologna, a team against which Dybala, who has been linked with Inter, has seven goals and one assist in 11 Serie A outings. 

Buffon was also questioned about Italy's woes after Roberto Mancini's European champions failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second time in a row, losing a demoralizing playoff loss to

North Macedonia

last month in qualification.

Despite guiding Italy to Euro 2020 triumph, Buffon, who gained 176 caps for the Azzurri and played a key role in their 2006 World Cup victory, believes Mancini must take responsibility for the team's troubles.

"He was the architect of the Azzurri renaissance, but he has some responsibility," Buffon said of Mancini. 

"There is a way and a way... if you lose on penalties to Portugal, it is one thing, North Macedonia is tougher [to justify]. 

"Already in 2010 I realised that things were changing, that we should have celebrated the qualifications. We lack quality and nastiness. If motivated, we give our best; otherwise, we can lose to anyone."

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