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.
Ahead of a busy end to the domestic season and then the World Cup, five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi wasn't going to risk aggravating his injury.
Two key players are sidelined with injuries -- winger Eduardo Salvio (Benfica) and Manchester City star Sergio Agüero.
Buffon, 40, is to continue as the Italian national team's goalkeeper.
Juventus veteran central defender Chiellini suffered a muscular problem during Saturday's Serie A goalless draw against SPAL.
The 31-year-old passed away in his sleep on Saturday night/Sunday morning.
