Report: Buffon expected to be rested vs. Ireland

Gianluigi Buffon is expected to be included in Antonio Conte's plans to overhaul his first team ahead of Italy's match Wednesday against the Republic of Ireland, according to ESPNFC.

The Italian manager explained that Buffon, 38, likely won't be risked during the team's final group-stage match in Lille after the Juventus netminder's bout with the flu over the past couple of days.

"Gigi's had this fever up to today, when he joined us in training again," Conte told reporters.

"We want to get him back in the best way possible and this proves that all of the decisions we make are pondered ones, so as not to take any game lightly."

Despite his return to full training, the yellow card that Buffon picked up during Italy's win over Sweden would likely have also kept him out of the match considering the Azzurri have already been confirmed as Group E winners.

Conte added he's likely to make up to nine first-team changes, but insists he's not taking the match against Ireland lightly.

"You may think it's a pointless game, but I don't think it's pointless and my choices will be made to give me important answers," he said.

"What I ask of my lads is to play the game to win it, because winning helps you win. We're not relaxing, though, because I know full well that if we lose, then people are going to start to criticise us. So let's try not to give the opportunity for people to criticise us."

Buffon, who kept clean sheets during the opening two matches of the competition, is expected to be back between the pipes Monday when Italy clashes with title holders Spain in the Round of 16.