Gianluigi Buffon

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Time For Italy To Show Real Image

Against Germany - Gianluigi Buffon

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon urges team to show full class against the Germans...

Feb 8, 2011

Gianluigi Buffon hopes Italy keep to their nature of showing the abundance in quality against Germany following a failed World Cup.

The Juventus goalkeeper has been confirmed in goal and will make his first start for la Nazionale since South Africa eight months ago.

And the emphasis has been placed on showing the rest of the world a rediscovered Nazionale to reflect Cesare Prandelli's shifting landscape following the Marcello Lippi era.

"Let's give the image of a strong, first class, unified Italy abroad," Buffon told the press.

"We have the chance to show how Italy can be appreciated at least from a football point of view.

"At least we can try to show that we have a first class national team."

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Gianluigi Buffon: Fourth Spot Is Within Our Reach

Juventus goalkeeper believes Champions League qualification is within Juventus' grasp...

Feb 15, 2011

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes that after defeating Inter 1-0 at the weekend, the Bianconeri are capable of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season by finishing in fourth place.

"Sunday evening we won a very difficult match. We overcame a team who won everything last season and it's a major achievement that allows us to consider our potential," the shot stopper said via his official website.

"If we had not been the victim of so many injuries then Juventus could have pointed toward different objectives.

"Today, with great realism, we must aim for fourth spot and that is definitely within our reach. I'm happy, especially for our fans who have supported us. They deserved that win on Sunday evening."

The 33-year-old looks to be back in form, chosen for Goal.com's Serie A Team of the Week for his performance against the Nerazzurri, after a six-month lay-off as a result of a back injury he suffered during the 2010 World Cup. Juve currently sit in sixth place on 41 points.

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Serie B Among Buffon's Greatest Moments With Juventus

Juventus goalkeeper suggests Serie B demotion was a good experience...

Feb 17, 2011

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said his experience in Serie B was among his best at the club as he celebrates his 10th year in Turin.

Speaking to Juventusmember.com, the Italian international said: "My first big joy was winning the Scudetto of May 5 [2002], and then the [2003 Champions League] final in Manchester, which is always a historic memory despite the negative outcome. And, there is the game against Rimini in Serie B."

Buffon's success with Juventus has been rewarded with his appointment as captain of the Italy team.

"It's a great reward, sooner or later it was bound to happen after making my debut 14 years ago," he said.

"I have to say it's an honour to wear the armband, but there are many captains in this national team."

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Buffon Leads Juventus Dressing Room

Blast After Lecce Defeat

Gianluigi Buffon blasts Juventus team-mates after Lecce loss...

Feb 22, 2011

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has taken a hostile approach in the dressing room in an attempt to kick his team-mates into gear.

Tuttosport reports Buffon, who was sent off early on in the 2-0 loss to Lecce, as having led a dressing room rant against the team.

He is quoted as having said: "How can we throw it away with this attitude? We have to bring out the quality, or we will ruin everything."

His calls prompted president Andrea Agnelli to grill the team on Monday. He said the players "didn't sweat" against Lecce.

Those calls for improvement were backed by injured striker Fabio Quagliarella, who believes Juventus must learn to beat weaker opposition.

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Buffon: I Will Not Leave Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon wants to remain at Juventus in the future

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Juventus Require Confidence To Return To The Top - Buffon

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says all the Bianconeri require is some confidence to climb back up the ladder.

Mar 17, 2011

Juventus shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon believes all the Bianconeri lack is some confidence, as they aim to climb back up the ladder before the season ends.

The Turin giants ended a three-match losing streak last weekend, as they managed a 2-2 draw against Cesena, Buffon is adamant the side can overcome any problems they may be having.

"We are encountering some difficult moments, as it is a tough time, but we cannot let it get to us," the 33-year-old was reported as saying to Itasportpress.it. "The numerous injuries have hurt us, as every time we tried to raise the player quality in our side, there has been an injury.

"All we are lacking is confidence to return to being a big squad," he added.

'Superman' also confirmed he will not be leaving the side at the end of the season.

"I will remain at Juve, and this is what the club and I both want," he concluded. "

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Del Piero and Buffon To Sign Contract Extensions

Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon are to prolong their stay at the Bianconeri after successful negotiations.

Mar 18, 2011

World Cup-winning pair Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon have both committed their futures to Juventus, and have stated their desire to extend their contracts at the Stadio Olimpico.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Buffon is expected to pen a extension which will run to 2016, to stave off recent speculation regarding a move away from the club.

The shot-stopper stated: ''I will not move from Juventus. This club is my priority and will remain so. Whatever transfer news you hear of me, it's news without support.''

Meanwhile, Del Piero is also thought to have agreed a new deal, although nothing has been officially signed as yet.

The news as a welcome boost as the club struggle through a wretched season, languishing 20 points behind Milan, who occupy top spot in Serie A.

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Di Vaio Believes Viviano Should Replace Buffon

As Italy's Number One

Bologna's Marco Di Vaio says it's time up for Gianluigi Buffon with Italy as he tips Emiliano Viviano

to take the Juventus goalkeeper's place on the international stage for the longer term...

Mar 21, 2011

Bologna ace and former Juventus striker Marco Di Vaio has told Goal.com that goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano is the future of the Italian national side, and that Gianluigi Buffon should hand over the gloves to the emerging shot-stopper.

Di Vaio agrees Buffon's constant battle with injury means he is no longer the keeper he once was. The Juve number one is in the squad for the Azzurri's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia on Friday and subsequent friendly against Ukraine, but the hitman says it's time for him to step aside, in a frank and stunning assessment.

"At the moment I believe Viviano is stronger in terms of consistency," Di Vaio told Goal.com.

"Buffon has an incredible history though, and I hope Viviano can repeat it. Buffon was for years the greatest, but this season he is paying for the long injury. Emiliano has the character to become the next Buffon for the next ten years."

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Gianluigi Buffon Remains Tight-Lipped On Juventus Future

Buffon uncertain over his Juventus future as he plays down concerns with life in Turin...

Mar 21, 2011

Gianluigi Buffon says "now is not the time" to answer questions on his Juventus future.

A less than perfect term in Turin has seen Buffon linked with an exit as pre-season ambitions have not been met by the Old Lady, and the Italian international, on duty with the Azzurri this week, did not want to discuss his position at Juve.

"Now is not the time to speak about what I will be doing next year," he told the press.

"There are more important things to think about and we must focus on the league to recover something from the last eight games and close the season well."

Buffon was also uninterested in the title race because of his own club's lack of involvement, adding: "I don't know who will win it. Unfortunately Juventus are too far behind. We just have to think about finishing our race in Serie A."

Roma's Daniele De Rossi is out of the Italy squad - excluded for breaking Cesare Prandelli's code of ethics - and the shot-stopper said of his absence: "We will miss his influence, but we must respect the code."

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Gianluigi Buffon Will Remain With Juventus

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Buffon & Chiellini Could Be Sold To Fund Summer Arrivals

With Juventus hoping to welcome a host of summer arrivals, either Gianluigi Buffon

or Giorgio Chiellini could be sold to finance the project...

Mar 26, 2011

With Juve unlikely to qualify for the Champions League this season the club are planning a summer shopping spree, according to reports from Italy.

The Bianconeri plan to add a number of arrivals in the summer and might have to offload Buffon or Chiellini to fund their ambitious plan, claims Corriere dello Sport.

The first arrival is likely to be Lyon's Michel Bastos, who would operate on the opposite flank to the impressive Milos Krasic to form a dynamic partnership.

The Old Lady are also being heavily linked with the Udinese's Chilean star Alexis Sanchez, Villarreal top scorer Giuseppe Rossi, Santos starlet Neymar and Jeremy Menez who has established himself as one of the most sought-after wingers in European football.

Sampdoria's Andrea Poli is also being touted as a future Juventus player, although any transfer will surely be dependant on the departure of either 'keeper Buffon or star centre-half Chiellini.

If Buffon is sold it appears Arsenal and Roma would be favourites to land the experienced Italian number one, although Manchester United and Manchester City are thought to have also expressed an interest in the 33-year-old.

Interest in Chiellini is also fierce, although Manchester United are believed to be in pole position for the no nonsense defender.

However, the Red Devils will only come in for Chiellini if Real Madrid makes an official approach for Nemanja Vidic, with the Premier League Champions wanting a capable replacement for the Serbian.

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Gianluigi Buffon Hopeful Of Better Times At Juventus

Buffon hopes that Juventus can end the season on a high...

Mar 27, 2011

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has expressed his hopes for a renewal of fortunes for the Bianconeri between now and the end of the season as he says he wants his team-mates to defend the shirt with honour.

Placed seventh in the Serie A standings at the moment, five points off the final Europa League slot, the former Italian champions' chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League have all but been put to flight, with prospects of playing in the Europa Laeague in 2011-12 looking slim too.

Juventus returned to winning ways last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Brescia in Turin which marked their first victory in five matches, and Buffon hopes that this is the start of a better chapter for the Old Lady this season.

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Buffon will evaluate his Juventus future

but will not move to Man. United or City - Agent

Interest from Arsenal could lead to a revision of the shot-stopper's future, claims agent Martina...

Mar 29, 2011

Gianluigi Buffon will 'evaluate' his Juventus future but will not be leaving Turin for Manchester United or Manchester City, according to his agent, Silvano Martina.

Martina spoke to Goal.com and admitted that the 33-year-old would discuss his future with the club despite having two years left on his Bianconeri contract. Martina admitted that Arsenal would be an 'interesting' prospect for his client should he move on.

Previous reports in Italy had suggested that Buffon could be sold by Juventus in order to alleviate the club from the burden of his wages and also to cash in on his transfer value to furnish a summer market campaign.

With a deal that currently expires in 2013 Buffon, one of the world's best goalkeepers, would still command a high fee.

"Juventus stay? I don't know, we will have to evaluate things with the club. What we do know is that he still has a two-year deal there," Martina confirmed to Goal.com.

The representative ruled out moves to both Manchester clubs; City, coached by Buffon's compatriot Roberto Mancini, have previously attempted to sign the shot-stopper but are currently content with their first choice, Joe Hart.

"As for Manchester City I don't believe so as they have the England national goalkeeper and I know Mancini is happy with him. Therefore there is no possibility," he added.

Meanwhile Manchester United's signing of Anders Lindegaard in the winter transfer window means that their goalkeeping quota is full with a long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar expected to be sourced elsewhere in the summer.

"For Manchester United, they recently signed a goalkeeper for the future and so I don't think they are looking.

"In any case, we have not had contact from the Manchester-based clubs."

However, Martina left open the possibility of his client moving to Arsenal. The Gunners' goalkeeping troubles have long been documented with Arsene Wenger recently resorting to a short-term deal for 41-year-old Jens Lehmann.

No contact between the London club and the World Cup winner has yet been made but Martina admitted that his client could be a suitable candidate.

"There are no contacts with Arsenal. I know that they need a goalkeeper, and of course they are a very important club, but I have not had any contacts," the agent concluded.

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Buffon: I will not become this summer's biggest transfer move

Juventus goalkeeper has stated he doesn't intend to be the biggest signing over the summer transfer window.

Apr 1, 2011

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he doesn't intend on becoming the biggest transfer story of the upcoming summer.

The 33-year-old has been linked with several club across Europe, but believes he should not be thinking about making lots of money on the transfer should he decide to leave the Bianconeri.

"At the very worst, should I leave, I don't think I will become the biggest move this summer," the shot-stopper told ANSA. "At 33, I cannot be thinking about making a lot of money from the move."

'Superman' also admitted Bianconeri boss Luigi Del Neri is "is doing everything he can" to lift the side up the ladder.

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Del Piero hopes Gianluigi Buffon remains at Juventus

Alessandro Del Piero's message to Buffon is clear - stay at Juventus...

Apr 1, 2011

Alessandro Del Piero hopes Gianluigi Buffon doesn't erase his name from the list of star players at Juventus this summer, pleading with the goalkeeper to remain at the club.

Earlier This week Goal.com exclusively revealed how Buffon would evaluate his future in Turin.

On Thursday, the Italian international conceded he would be ready to listen to offers when he told the Chiambretti Night program: "No other clubs have contacted me, but if there was a possibility of a move then I would discuss the matter with [Juventus sporting director] Giuseppe Marotta."

But, Del Piero hopes Buffon's mindset remains in Turin.

"Buffon is a friend and a great professional. A great goalkeeper too," Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia.

"I have known him for many years and we have enjoyed many great moments together.

"I am happy he is the Juventus goalkeeper and I hope he will remain the Juventus goalkeeper for the long-term."

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Juventus will not sell Gianluigi Buffon - Giuseppe Marotta

Juventus will rely on Buffon now and in the future, says Marotta, who will not be selling his 'keeper in the summer.

Apr 4, 2011

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta was quick to play down speculation of star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon

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Why now is the right time for Juventus to sell Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon will once again be missing when Juventus host Genoa tomorrow, accelerating talk

of a potential move to Roma. Kris Voakes believes a sale is best for all involved.

Apr 9, 2011

At 33-years-old you can hardly say he

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There's no problem with Buffon - Giuseppe Marotta

Juventus sporting director has made it clear that there's no problem

between the club and Italian international shot stopper.

Apr 10, 2011

A number of recent reports suggested that Gianluigi Buffon is unhappy with his current situation at Juventus and that he could leave the club in the summer transfer window. However, sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has made it clear that there's no issues regarding the former Parma goalkeeper at la Vecchia Signora.

"There's absolutely no problem between Gianluigi Buffon and Juventus. He's a great player and we have a good relationship with him," Marotta was quoted as saying by Sky Sport Italia.

"He's considered to be one of the best shot stoppers around for about ten years now. He immediately returned to the starting XI after his comeback from injury until last Sunday. The doctors ruled that he wasn't match fit and that's why Storari played."

Marotta then stated that there's little doubt that Buffon will return to the starting XI again once he's fully match fit again.

"Like Luigi Del Neri already said, there's a clear hierarchy at the club. Even though I'd like to say that Storari has done a great job for us and has put in some superb performances."

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Gianluigi Buffon is happy at Juventus

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Goal.com readers say Juventus should not

sell Gianluigi Buffon this summer

Goal.com's poll asking you to vote on whether Juventus should sell Gigi Buffon has shown that

the majority want the Bianconeri to hold on to their legendary No. 1

Apr 13, 2011

Juventus should NOT sell goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, according to the results of a Goal.com readers' poll.

On Saturday Goal.com's Italian Football Editor, Kris Voakes, suggested that this summer would be the right time for Juve to sell Buffon in light of his latest back trouble. The injury led to the legendary shot-stopper sitting out of Sunday lunchtime's 3-2 victory over Genoa in Turin, with Marco Storari once again deputising.

However, when we put the vote out to you, the readers, more than 57 per cent of you said that you'd rather see the Old Lady hang on to their long-serving Italy international.

There were, however, 692 of you within the 1622 polled who agreed that this summer should see a parting of the ways between the Bianconeri and the World Cup-winning No.1.

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Buffon remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world

despite injuries - Italy legend Dino Zoff

Retired World Cup winning Italy international says that the Juventus custodian

is one of the best in the world when fit and believes that he is peerless

Apr 15, 2011

Italian legend Dino Zoff has maintained his faith in Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and believes that he remains of the best in the world.

The Italy international has suffered with injury problems this season and there are doubts over his future in the national team as well at Juve.

Buffon

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Juventus should not sell Buffon

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Gianluigi Buffon: My future is at Juventus

Italy international is certain he will still be at the club next season

as he plays down the exit voices surrounding his future.

Apr 25, 2011

Gianluigi Buffon has insisted he has no plans to leave Juventus at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old has been tipped to make a summer exit with Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City among the clubs reportedly interested.

A long-term injury sustained in last year's World Cup disrupted his season, and he has made just 12 appearances since his return to first team action.

Questions still remain over his intentions once the campaign draws to a close in four weeks, but the Italian anticipates a stay in Turin.

"What will I do next season? I have not thought about this. I have a contract until 2013. I want to win with Juventus, and nothing is making me think about anything else," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"All I am thinking of is Juventus."

Manchester City's Roberto Mancini has been linked as a replacement for coach Luigi Del Neri, but Buffon feels there is no need for the current boss to step down from his role.

"I am thinking of this end of season and we must not lose dignity, but convince the club our coach is able and should be kept," he added.

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Agent of Gianluigi Buffon excludes Roma move

Agent claims Buffon to Roma move is just hearsay as he suggests the goalkeeper will remain where he is.

May 1, 2011

Gianluigi Buffon will remain at Juventus for the foreseeable future, despite a stop-start season as his agent Silvano Martina excludes a move south to Roma.

Thomas DiBenedetto's recent takeover at the capital club has led to widespread reports he willd provide a cash injection to bring in top players including the Italian international, 33.

However, Martina is trying to shape the outcome of Buffon's future, and he says it's firmly at Juve.

"The papers are saying Buffon to Roma, but at the moment there is nothing concrete. They just need to fill the pages, but the reality is that he has two years on his deal and he is happy to stay in Turin," Martina told Sky Sport Italia.

If things were to change, LaRoma24.it reports Buffon would have to take a massive pay cut. He is on

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Gianluigi Buffon will stay at Juventus

as Roma reports are false - agent

Agent reacts to latest suggestions his client is heading south,

but it turns out to be a case of more transfer market rumours.

May 4, 2011

Gianluigi Buffon's agent believes his client will stay at Juventus and not move to Roma in the summer.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper continues to be linked with the capital city club who look set to revamp their squad following the takeover by Thomas DiBenedetto.

But Buffon is unlikely to be one of the fresh faces arriving in the Eternal City.

"I really don