Italy suffered a shocking exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers after losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica, marking their third straight failure to reach the tournament.
Poland also had a couple of chances in the second half with Kamil Grosicki denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, with Arkadiusz Milik curling over.
With 12,000 fans in attendance, around €105,000 were raised for the disaster fund.
The Portuguese went into defending mode for the final 15 minutes as Italy's Simone Zaza sought desperately for the equaliser.
The hosts, with new coach Roberto Mancini at the helm, struggled to create any chances in the first half against a well-organized Polish side.
The Nations League -- in which Italy will also be up against European champions Portugal in Group 3 -- will have an impact on seeding for Euro 2020.
Bournemouth centre-back Ake got the equaliser past the hosts two minutes from time, and almost added a second in injury time.
Buffon, 40, captained Juventus to a seventh straight Serie A title and fourth consecutive Italian Cup triumph this season.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) named Mancini as the coach in a statement on Monday.
Goalkeeper Buffon has been criticised for performing a u-turn on his international retirement after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup and making himself available at the age of 40.
