Italy’s 2-1 victory this evening came against a side of non-professionals and goalscorer Rogvi Jacobsen is a carpenter by trade.

“My compliments to the carpenter. Aside from our mistakes, I think they scored an excellent goal with great technique. Of course for others to impress you tend to have to give them a helping hand,” said the ‘keeper.

“It wasn’t so much a lack of concentration as the motivation and tension that was missing leading up to the game. We didn’t have that spark in the air. We played well in the opening 20 minutes and then rather sat back after the goal.”

Buffon barely saw the ball for 76 minutes, but in the closing stages was beaten by Jacobsen’s header and had to make a tough save on Holst’s strike.

“We lost a ball in midfield and they came at us quickly, so it was tough to get back in time and out-jump some very tall forwards.”

The Juventus shot-stopper believes this can at least prove a useful scare ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Lithuania.

“We will certainly have to do something about the psychological approach, but have enough experience to know we did some things wrong and will change in Lithuania.”

He was also asked about the news that Francesco Totti will not require surgery to remove the metal plaque in his ankle, so he could in theory end his Azzurri sabbatical in September.

“We would be happy to welcome Francesco back, as with him we achieved something historic. He’s not a newbie and has always settled well into the squad.”