2nd time lucky? Italy goalkeeper Buffon avoids falling off crossbar after win

Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon was the victim of an ‘epic fail’ when his enthusiastic celebration was thwarted by a goal post.

Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon was the victim of an ‘epic fail’ when his enthusiastic celebration was thwarted by a goal post after the Azzuri won their Euro 2016 opener 2-0 against Belgium.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrates at the end of the Euro 2016 Group E win over Sweden at the Stadium municipal in Toulouse, France, Friday, June 17, 2016. Italy won 1-0. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)(AP)

But the veteran ‘keeper vindicated himself after Italy’s last-gasp 1-0 win against Sweden on Friday which assured his team of a spot in the knockout stage of the European Championship.

As Italy emerged victorious over underdogs Belgium in their Euro opener on Monday, an ecstatic Buffon charged from the half line to the opposition net before attempting to swing off the crossbar and falling on the grass.

On Friday, though, the goalkeeper shrugged off the trolls (the online ones, of course) and swung for the post again -- this time managing to hang on successfully.

Gianluigi Buffon swings off the goalpost in celebration of Italy’s win over Sweden. (AFP)

Gianluigi Buffon celebrates on the cross bar as teammates rejoice after the win over Sweden. (REUTERS)

Gianluigi Buffon celebrates on the cross bar after the match. (REUTERS)

The defeated Euro 2012 finalists have kicked off their European Championship campaign on a high note by winning both their matches against Belgium and Sweden in the group stages. With one match remaining against Republic of Ireland in the group stages, Italy have already sealed their position in the last 16.

Read:

Euro 2016: Late Eder goal gives Italy 1-0 win over Sweden, spot in last 16

Euro 2016: Giaccherini, Pelle strikes earn Italy 2-0 win over Belgium