Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon and Balotelli banned

Jan 28, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon and Mario Balotelli are among the Serie A players suspended for Week 22.

AMAZONIAN

Cagliari have been given a suspended sentence of playing a game behind closed doors for racist abuse aimed at Balotelli after he scored the equaliser at the Stadio Sant’Elia.

Balotelli responded to the insults with a vulgar gesture towards the crowd, which was spotted by the referee and punished with a yellow card.

Balotelli will be suspended for this weekend’s game against Torino and was fined €10,000 for the gesture.

AMAZONIAN

Bologna were fined €10,000 for using a phone or radio to communicate with Coach Davide Ballardini, who was sitting out a touchline ban.

Buffon was sent off in Lazio-Juventus and therefore suspended for the clash with Inter, while Atalanta’s Davide Brivio is also banned for one round due to his red card.

AMAZONIAN

Other players suspended for Week 22 are Luca Antei (Sassuolo), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Andrea Coda (Livorno), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Felipe (Parma), Leandro Greco (Livorno) and Radja Nainggolan (Roma).

Chievo Coach Eugenio Corini escaped a touchline ban after his dismissal for repeatedly leaving the technical area in the 1-1 draw with Napoli.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon on Conte and Osvaldo

Feb 15, 2014

Gigi Buffon is impressed with Daniel Osvaldo, accepts Antonio Conte’s Juventus punishment and ignores “gossip.”

AMAZONIAN

The goalkeeper spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Serie A game against Chievo.

The Bianconeri had their Monday off cancelled by Coach Conte after fumbling a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Verona.

“It was a surprise and like all surprises can be good or less good. We didn’t jump for joy, but knowing the mentality of the Coach and what he wants to teach us, I wasn’t that surprised,” said Buffon.

AMAZONIAN

“Now we’ve got Chievo and then the Europa League. We’re not afraid of playing a game every three days, as we prepared for this with a specific training schedule. We’ve got enough petrol in the tank to compete in both tournaments.”

Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are both likely to miss out against Chievo on Sunday.

“Absences just put more responsibility on the rest of the squad. Obviously we miss irreplaceable elements like Barzagli and Chiellini, but you win and defend with 11 men.”

AMAZONIAN

Juve are also boosted for the Europa League by the arrival of Osvaldo on loan from Southampton.

“Pablo has shown himself ready to work hard for everyone and has been here for two weeks without making a noise. He has enthusiasm, as he knows how big an opportunity it is to be at Juve. Then there’s the World Cup and I think a player like him won’t let this chance slip away.”

Buffon has been in the headlines recently with gossip magazines alleging he’s ready to leave his wife Alena Seredova for Sky Sport Italia presenter Ilaria D’Amico.

AMAZONIAN

“Fortunately I have such a great job that I don’t have to think about the rest. So much of my energy and focus is on the pitch.

“I am 36 years old and generally self-critical, so when I look in the mirror I know that I have defects, as we all done, but also that I am a very loyal, fair and honest person. Therefore I have nothing to feel bad about.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon agent unsure about future

Feb 17, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon’s agent has admitted that he doesn’t know what the future holds for his client.

AMAZONIAN

The Juventus goalkeeper has a contract with the club until 2015, but his representative has conceded that beyond then, he is unclear what the future may entail.

“Gigi does not feel his age,” Silvano Martina told CalcioMercato. “He’s always been number one - I think the history proves that.

“Gigi is the captain of the national team, plays for a great club and is always decisive in matches.

AMAZONIAN

“He has a contract with Juve and it’s easy to associate his name with the Bianconeri.

“But at the moment, I can’t say for certain what’s going to happen. Maybe he’ll retire, maybe he’ll leave, maybe he’ll stay.

“I just don’t know what’s going to happen at the moment.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon undecided over Juventus future

The Italy goalkeeper has less than 18 months remaining
on his current deal and is yet to make a decision on his next move.

Feb 17, 2014

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is still undecided over his future, with his contract set to expire in 2015.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri captain's agent, Silvano Martina, has revealed that his client could choose to continue playing in Turin, move elsewhere or even retire from the game.

"Gigi is the captain of the national team, plays for a great club and is always decisive in matches," he told CalcioMercato.

"He has a contract with Juve and it's easy to associate his name with the Bianconeri.

AMAZONIAN

"But at the moment, I can't say for certain what's going to happen. Maybe he'll retire, maybe he'll leave, maybe he'll stay.

"I just don't know what's going to happen at the moment."

Buffon has featured in all but two of Juve's Serie A games this season, playing his part in what is statistically the second best defence in the Italian top flight.

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus take Europa League seriously, insists Buffon

The experienced Bianconeri goalkeeper is keen to go all the way in the Europa League
in order to build confidence ahead of future European campaigns.

Feb 27, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Juventus will do their utmost to go as far as possible in the Europa League and will take the competition seriously.

AMAZONIAN

The Serie A leaders somewhat disappointingly had to settle for a spot in the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group behind Real Madrid and Galatasaray.

Juve have a two-goal lead heading into their second leg round-of-32 clash against Trabzonspor and Buffon has stressed that they will not take things lightly.

"It’s a competition to be taken seriously, as there could be some significant successes enjoyed," Buffon stated at a press conference.

AMAZONIAN

"Going through to the next round and playing even more important games enables you to gain further confidence on the European scene.

"It struck us to see the stadium full in the first leg against Trabzonspor and the atmosphere created by the fans. In the past that didn’t even happen in important Champions League games.

AMAZONIAN

"This message demonstrates that the Juventus fans and team know that time and humility is required if we want to return to the peak of Europe’s elite."

The final of the Europa League is scheduled to take place at the Juventus Stadium on May 14.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'Title not ours yet'

Mar 2, 2014

Gigi Buffon admits Juventus had “some good luck” in their victory away to Milan, but insists the Scudetto race isn’t over.

AMAZONIAN

The goalkeeper spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a 2-0 win at San Siro sent them 11 points clear, even if Roma have a game in hand.

“There’s a lot of credit to go round for the way the team was able to suffer under pressure, but there was also some good luck too,” said Buffon.

“If you come to San Siro and face Milan, then there is never a favourite, as neither side wants to give in. It’s the first time we’ve won here in the Antonio Conte era.

AMAZONIAN

“It is also very important that we notched up a fourth consecutive clean sheet. My defenders are the best and the forwards are also giving them a big hand.”

When asked if the Scudetto was practically in Juve’s grasp, Buffon backed off.

AMAZONIAN

“These are three very important points, but we’ve got to be very careful. It’s not over yet and Roma are a very strong side who have no other competitions to take part in, which is an important factor.

“At times when the gas is running low in our tanks, we can hopefully make the most of this advantage.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon full of praise for Prandelli

Mar 3, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has praised Italian national team Coach Cesare Prandelli, claiming the tactician is a ‘spokesman for the nation’.

AMAZONIAN

Since taking charge of the Azzurri in 2010, the former Fiorentina man has guided the nation to the final of Euro 2012 and qualification to this summer’s World Cup.

And the goalkeeper has claimed that the 56-year-old is s superb leader, as well as an arbiter of high standards.

“Prandelli has demonstrated that he is a very intelligent and capable person,” the Azzurri captain told Goal.com.

AMAZONIAN

“He is a tranquil person who has managed to interact and engage in dialogue with the people, even about the problems of our country.

“He has made himself the spokesman of the nation, giving clear signals like having the presence of the national team in whichever area of the country was undergoing particular problems.

“And these are signals that certainly help unite the Italian football fans with the team.”

AMAZONIAN

The Juventus shot-stopper then commented on his country’s chances in Brazil this summer.

“I have won a World Cup, but I don't know if a recipe for winning it again exists. Surely what exists is the opportunity, because after winning in 2006 I didn't have a chance to be a protagonist again, given the fact that in South Africa [when Italy were eliminated in the group stage] I only managed to play one half before leaving the pitch for injury.

“Now I have another possibility, which I have to take advantage of to the fullest in order not to have any regrets.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Roma can win every game

Mar 4, 2014

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon believes that Roma still have a chance at catching up with the Bianconeri before the end of the season.

AMAZONIAN

The Old Lady’s 2-0 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro on Sunday has brought them 11 points clear of second place Roma, and the 36-year-old is adamant that his team must maintain their lead in the Serie A table.

Buffon spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Monday about Juve’s win over the Rossoneri, while also commenting on the Giallorossi’s ability to close the points gap, as they also have a game in hand.

“Milan would have been able to stop us yesterday with better luck,” said the veteran goalkeeper.

AMAZONIAN

“We have made a great step forward in the Scudetto race, we earned three very important points.

“Behind us is a Roma side that is of enormous value and can win all of their games from now until the end.

“We have an important margin to manage and we will have to be good enough to administer it.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: England clash key
to Italy's World Cup hopes

The Azzurri captain is desperate for Cesare Prandelli's men to get off to a good start
as he is keen to avoid needing anything from their final game against Uruguay to progress.

Mar 4, 2014

EXCLUSIVE
By Romeo Agresti & Mark Doyle

Gianluigi Buffon believes it is vital that Italy kick off their 2014 World Cup campaign with a win against England.

AMAZONIAN

The Azzurri and Roy Hodgson's side, who have been drawn in Group D alongside Uruguay and Costa Rica, will meet in Manaus on June 14.

Buffon feels that the importance of getting off to a good start cannot be overstated, not least because he is keen to avoid the prospect of Italy needing to get something out of their final pool game, against la Celeste, in order to progress to the last 16.

"Obviously, if we were to beat England in the first match, it would be a big step forward towards qualifying because, in the end, regardless of who you are up against, the first match is your business card, so to speak, and it infuses you with confidence and security for the following matches," the Italy captain told Goal at the launch of PUMA's new World Cup kit.

AMAZONIAN

"It's true that in the more recent matches we haven't managed to beat Uruguay very often, but it is also true that statistics are there to be proven wrong.

"Also the match against Uruguay is the last of the group stage and I hope that it won't have to be the match of a lifetime,because that would mean that we have failed in the other two matches, or at least in one of them."

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is this summer expected to draw heavily upon the panel of players that reached the final of Euro 2012.

AMAZONIAN

However, Buffon is buoyed by the fact that the 23-year-old Mario Balotelli, who starred in Ukraine and Poland, could be joined in the Azzurri's World Cup squad by Lorenzo Insigne (22) and Marco Verratti (21), two starlets that the veteran shot-stopper believes are also blessed with enormous potential.

"Balotelli, Insigne and Verratti are undoubtedly young and talented," the Juventus skipper enthused.

"One (Balotelli) is maybe slightly more affirmed than the others, but ultimately their careers and their fortunes will only depend on their will to amaze and the effort they put into what is our profession and our sport."

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'Casillas, Cech and I'

Mar 4, 2014

Gigi Buffon believes the Cesare Prandelli-Juventus row was “a misunderstanding” and hailed Spain’s Iker Casillas.

AMAZONIAN

The friendly kicks off in Madrid on Wednesday at 22.00 CET, one of the last warm-ups before the World Cup.

However, the last couple of days have been overshadowed by Juve complaints that Italy called Giorgio Chiellini when still recovering from an injury.

“These are situations I cannot get involved in, especially as I don’t know what happened specifically and my role allows me to listen without judging,” said the Juventus and Italy goalkeeper in his Press conference.

AMAZONIAN

“I have enough experience to know it is best not to get involved. In any case, I believe it was a misunderstanding. Everyone thinks they are doing their best to look out for their team and that is true of both the Nazionale and Juve.”

Buffon was asked whether he was considering his future and the possibility of stepping aside to let younger goalkeepers through.

“Since my back surgery in 2010, I have had 50-60 games per year for the last three or four seasons. I am back to giving consistent performances, which means I am in good shape.

AMAZONIAN

“For a sportsman, the response is always on the pitch. That’s the response you journalists should look at too. If someone wants to try other options, then I will take that into account, without causing controversy.”

Buffon remains the undisputed Number 1 for Juventus and Italy, whereas his Spanish counterpart Iker Casillas is struggling to get games at Real Madrid.

AMAZONIAN

“We managed to stay at the top level for 10-15 years, though it’s only normal that over such a long period of time there were some dips in form, but our strength has been our consistency. We weren’t the only top goalkeepers, as some forget Petr Cech, probably because he plays for the Czech Republic and not one of the bigger nations.

"Mario Balotelli? We have great affection for him and he always makes us laugh in the locker room, but this Nazionale must not be dependent on anyone, including Andrea Pirlo or me."

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon explains Spain goal

Mar 5, 2014

Gigi Buffon revealed what put him off for the Spain goal and was surprised by Gabriel Paletta’s “sumptuous” debut.

AMAZONIAN

“The good news is we always make Spain struggle to beat us, even if we have to struggle even more to get a point off them,” he told Rai Sport after the 1-0 friendly result in Madrid.

“Both these nations respect and fear each other. There is a great balance between them, even if Spain still have something more.

“Unfortunately, when we do have the chance to hurt them and push forward, we lack the sharpness necessary to make those opportunities count.

AMAZONIAN

“Spain have many players with wonderful technique, so every stop, pass and run is perfect. As a consequence, you have to spend more energy than they do to keep up with them and intercept those moves.

“Every now and then it’d be nice to beat Spain too!”

Parma defender Paletta made his Italy debut and was Man of the Match for the Azzurri.

AMAZONIAN

“It’s the first time I played with Gabriel and I have to say his performance was extraordinary tonight. Many of us realised why he had been linked with the Azzurri jersey for such a long time. He didn’t just surprise me, but he surprised everyone with a sumptuous performance amid so many difficulties.”

Pedro Rodriguez scored the decisive goal when Paletta’s sliding tackle had blocked off David Silva. It squirmed under Buffon’s body and the goalkeeper revealed what happened.

“On the goal there was confusion with so many people in front of me. Pedro hit it first time and if he had hit it more cleanly then I could well have saved it, but the scuff took it slightly behind me. There was also a player right in front of me who was on the limit of offside and his presence meant I only saw the ball in its final three metres.”

AMAZONIAN

Diego Costa made his debut for Spain and Buffon felt he was slightly out of sync with the others.

“Diego Costa has particular characteristics that will have to adapt to the way Spain play over time. With their system, it is inevitable he’ll have to adapt to them rather than the other way round.”

[Socrates 8386]

'Maldini and Baresi were my idols' - Italy stars
Chiellini and Buffon share their World Cup memories

The versatile centre-half is proud of how many great defenders the country has produced,
while the Azzurri goalkeeper has admitted all the heroes from his youth were strikers.

Mar 6, 2014

EXCLUSIVE

Giorgio Chiellini has voiced his admiration for former Italy internationals Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi.

AMAZONIAN

"When I was young my idols were definitely Maldini and Baresi. I think defenders have always been one of the best aspects of our football. We have a different mentality," the versatile centre-half stated.

"I believe that our defenders' toughness should be looked upon with pride and definitely shouldn't be seen as something negative."

Meanwhile, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he idolised strikers when he was a youngster.

AMAZONIAN

"When I was young my heroes were Paolo Rossi for what he did in '82, Gianluca Vialli for his performance in the '86 World Cup and Totó Schillaci for the in 1990 where he allowed to dream a whole country," the Italy and Juventus captain explained.

"Then, from 1994 onwards, they weren't heroes anymore; instead they became personalities and athletes that I should try to emulate and from which I could try to learn secrets that could help me better myself.

AMAZONIAN

"The memory I have about Italia '90 is an absolutely beautiful one because it was the first World Cup that I lived with a certain awareness.

"When the matches were on, Italy looked as if it was almost frozen, without a single sound coming from outside."

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon sole Italian in rich list

Mar 10, 2014

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been named as the richest Italian footballer in a list revealed on Monday.

AMAZONIAN

The veteran Azzurri shot-stopper is reported to be worth €63m in Goal.com’s 2014 Rich List, ninth in the overall ranking.

The Goal Rich List is collated by a team of analysts and takes into account all streams of revenue for active footballers over the course of their careers.

Only current professionals are eligible with the earnings of more than 200 contenders assessed before Goal’s experts finalised on their selection.

AMAZONIAN

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list, beating Lionel Messi in second place, whilst Samuel Eto’o of Chelsea comes in third.

Milan playmaker Kaka is revealed to be the highest earner in Serie A with a worth of €82m.

AMAZONIAN

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid - €148m (£122m)

2. Lionel Messi, Barcelona - €146m (£120.5m)

3. Samuel Eto'o, Chelsea - €85m (£70m)

4. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United - €84m (£69m)

5. Kaka, AC Milan - €82m (£67.5m)

6. Neymar & family, Barcelona - €80m (£66m)

7. Ronaldinho, Atletico Mineiro - €78m (£64m)

8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paris St-Germain - €69m (£57m)

9. Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus - €63m (£52m)

10. Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls - €57m (£47m)

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'Always hope with Pirlo'

Mar 16, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon saved a penalty on the day he matched Dino Zoff’s tally and said “there’s always hope with Andrea Pirlo.”

AMAZONIAN

The Juventus goalkeeper helped secure the 1-0 victory in Genoa when he parried an Emanuele Calaiò spot-kick, then Pirlo curled in a last-minute free kick.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm around this victory because in all honesty we didn’t really hope we’d win it by that stage,” confessed Buffon on Sky Sport Italia.

“Did I have hope when I saw Pirlo on the free kick? Of course, there’s always hope when Pirlo’s on the ball, even if he’s in my penalty area. He’s one of those players who can change a game.

AMAZONIAN

“It makes us very proud to have won this game and we hope the fans and club can be proud too, as we proved this team knows how to suffer under pressure and roll their sleeves up.

“Is it another brick in the wall of the Scudetto? More than a brick I’d call it a landslide!”

The shot-stopper admitted he was relieved that Calaiò took the penalty after Alberto Gilardino had been substituted.

AMAZONIAN

“I thought Gila was going to take it and you never know how he takes penalties, so I would’ve been in trouble! Fortunately he went off and I had to face a different player.

“I think it’s a wonderful day for me and for the team. Whoever wrote this script did a great job,” he grinned.

This evening Buffon made his 476th appearance for Juventus in all competition, matching the tally of legendary goalkeeper Dino Zoff.

AMAZONIAN

“It feels strange to be placed alongside Zoff, as he is a legend of the sport all over the world and especially for players in my position.

“This makes me realise how far I’ve come, but it also leaves me uneasy, because I don’t feel worthy of being compared with Zoff.”

AMAZONIAN

He also performed a crucial save on Andrea Bertolacci and explained he forced the Genoa man to miss.

“I usually stand my ground and stay on my feet as long as possible in a one-on-one situation, so I make it as difficult as I can for the opposition to score. It looked as if he fired it straight at me, but I forced his hand.”

[Socrates 8386]

‘Buffon proves greatness again’

Mar 17, 2014

The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says his client’s penalty save yesterday was merely another example of his greatness.

AMAZONIAN

The Azzurri number one saved Genoa player Emanuele Calaio’s spot-kick with the score still at 0-0 and the Old Lady went on to win the game.

“He really has done so many good things in his career that it’s not a surprise if he makes the difference,” Silvano Martina told Tuttojuve.com.

“Yesterday was just yet another demonstration of his greatness and how well he is playing.

AMAZONIAN

“He is playing great matches every Sunday.

“I think he is in good shape. He is alert and motivated.

“He is the usual Buffon, the same as when he first started playing.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon breaks Zoff's Juventus record

The Bianconeri skipper moved past his legendary predecessor
with his 477th appearance for the club against Fiorentina on Thursday.

Mar 21, 2014

He is the most capped player in Italy history and now holds Juventus' club record for most games played by a goalkeeper. There really is no equal to Gianluigi Buffon.

AMAZONIAN

The 36-year-old's involvement in Juve's 1-0 win at Fiorentina in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday took him past the legendary Dino Zoff on 477 appearances and into fifth place in the all-time list of the Bianconeri's most capped players.

He still remains a long way short of Alessandro Del Piero's club-record 705 games, but Buffon's ascension to the rank of Juve's greatest ever goalkeeper is a notable achievement for a man regularly compared to 1982 World Cup winner Zoff.

[Socrates 8386]

Scuffet: 'I'd love to be like Buffon'

Mar 29, 2014

Simone Scuffet is only 17, but is already tipped for a World Cup place. “It’d be a dream to follow Gigi Buffon’s footsteps.”

http://markting10.nl/

The Udinese goalkeeper only made his Serie A debut last month, but in nine games has won over all of Italy with his performances, most recently to keep a clean sheet at San Siro against Inter.

“My family taught me you need to be humble and dedicated to your work,” he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in a front page story.

“I must thank Francesco Guidolin, as he is responsible for me being in this position right now. He had great courage that day in Bologna to pick me.

http://markting10.nl/

“It would be wonderful and a dream to follow Buffon’s footsteps. How marvellous it would be to win what he has for Juventus and with the Italy shirt.

“As for Samir Handanovic, I would love to be able to attack the ball the same way he does.

“I do feel that it’s up to me to prove I am worthy of playing alongside the senior members of the squad, though it is not easy.

http://markting10.nl/

“There are many forwards I fear facing in Serie A, but then I have the privilege of training with Antonio Di Natale. When he gets that bend on the ball, there’s nothing you can do.”

Scuffet has never even played at Italy Under-21 level, but is already being tipped for the third goalkeeping jersey at the 2014 World Cup.

“For now I am very happy and I’ll wait to see what happens next season. If I think that at the start of the year I was the fourth choice goalkeeper at Udinese, then knowing I am now a starter is something to be truly proud of.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Absences have hurt us

Mar 31, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon believes that Juventus have been struggling for the past six weeks due to the absences in their playing staff.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri suffered a second League defeat of the season on Sunday evening at Napoli, to hand Roma a slight hint at a title race entering the final eight rounds of the season.

For the Old Lady’s captain, the way the Vesuviani went about collecting their 2-0 win over his side was not unexpected, but for a number of reasons.

“Did they surprise us? No, because we expected a team that would play at great pace, that would spit blood in order to take the scalp of Juventus,” Buffon considered to Raidue after yesterday’s game.

AMAZONIAN

“And we definitely arrived for this game in a bit of trouble. How so? Because I look at the newspapers, the medical reports, the commitments that we have had in the last month-and-a-half and it can be understood why at certain moments the blanket has appeared shorter.

“Crisis? No, no, there is room and space for each kind of speculation and consideration, but certainly, in fact, with all these commitments, in the last month or so we have not been the brightest, nor the steamroller that we had been up to a month, a month-and-a-half ago.

“I believe that we have been missing for a month, players of great worth - Barzagli, Ogbonna, we have Marchisio who is slowly coming back, but [yesterday] we also missed Tevez.

AMAZONIAN

“In short, we were and are in an emergency for the past 30-40 days, with three games a week. It is normal that something has to give.

“It is also best that this happens when you have a sufficiently large advantage over second place, considerable, we can say.”

AMAZONIAN

Buffon, who also commented to Mediaset that ‘the championship is wide open’, was asked if it was a concerning issue heading into this week’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon.

“To be concerned is right, in the sense that if we are a great team, when occasionally we do lose, then the reaction should be even more vehement, which it should be as we are a great team, made up of great champions. Usually it is the case and will be so again this time.”

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus want Tim Krul to replace Gianluigi Buffon?

Apr 6, 2014

Serie A giants Juventus are apparently readying a £10m offer for Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul as they prepare for life after long-serving Gianluigi Buffon.

Buffon is not planning to hang up his boots just yet, but the Old Lady realise that the 36-year-old can only have a season or so left in his glittering career.

According to The Express, Juve have identified Magpies star Krul, who has been one of the most consistent stoppers in the Premier League since breaking into the team in 2010, to replace the 129-times capped Italian international.

Krul is sweating on his World Cup place having been left out of Louis van Gaal's latest Netherlands squad and may jump at the chance to join a bigger club to improve his international chances.

Juve would also be able to offer the 26-year-old Champions League football and hope this will lure him away from England this summer, although Napoli are also reportedly interested in signing him.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon on Scuffet and Destro

Apr 8, 2014

Gigi Buffon believes Udinese goalkeeper Simone Scuffet “deserves a place at the World Cup” and is sorry for Mattia Destro.

The Juventus and Italy shot-stopper spoke to Sport Mediaset and discussed the upcoming tournament in Brazil.

Scuffet is only 17 and made his Serie A debut in February, but has quickly become a star name.

“Should Scuffet go to Brazil? Considering what he is doing I’d say he deserves it, but watch out for Mattia Perin and Francesco Bardi too,” said the veteran.

Destro will be suspended for the next four games, three of them handed out using video evidence to identify his lashing out of an arm on Cagliari’s Davide Astori.

Not only is it a heavy blow for Roma, but could also rule him out of the World Cup for breaking Cesare Prandelli’s Code of Ethics.

“If Roma were to lose such an important player it would be disappointing for us too, as a side like the Giallorossi make the League more fascinating,” noted Buffon.

“Does he risk missing the World Cup? That is not a problem that I can resolve, as there are people who know how to face the situation.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Juventus’ eight-point advantage
does not make me feel serene

Apr 9, 2014

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is adamant that the Bianconeri’s eight-point lead over Roma is not a comfortable gap.

The 36-year-old also discussed the upcoming Europa League return leg against Olympique Lyonnais, inviting his teammates to remain vigilant despite the 1-0 victory in the first leg.

“We will have to pay attention to Olympique Lyonnais, they are a mature team with experience,” Buffon told La Stampa.

“We are coming from a period where the same players have always been fielded.”

He then weighed in on the Scudetto race and the battle with Roma.

“The eight-point advantage does not make me feel serene.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Winning the Scudetto is Juventus’ priority

Apr 9, 2014

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon hinted that Serie A is Juventus’ main focus despite their run in the Europa League.

The Bianconeri can reach the semi-finals as they hold a 1-0 lead over Lyon heading into the second leg of their tie on Thursday but Buffon insists the Italians are still focusing their attention on the Scudetto race.

“There are priorities,” the goalkeeper told Tuttosport after being asked whether the Europa League would be snubbed in order to win Scudetto.

“The comedown from losing first place would be bigger than the joy of the Cup.

“I hope that by the time the semi-finals are played the Scudetto will be basically already sewn on our chests.”

Juventus hold an eight-point lead over Roma with six matches remaining in the Serie A season.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Busy schedule could
hinder Juventus' double bid

The Bianconeri captain has admitted that he fears Antonio Conte's men
could succumb to fatigue as they attempt to end their season with two trophies.

Apr 9, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon fears that Juventus' busy schedule could hinder their trophy hopes this season as they prepare to host Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League just three days after edging closer to retaining their Serie A title with a win over Livorno.

The Bianconeri are clear favourites to progress to the last four after winning 1-0 at the Stade de Gerland last week but their captain is taking nothing for granted, particularly as he fears fatigue could be a factor.

"We won the first leg with a single-goal margin, but we have to be very focused," Buffon told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"We go into the game on the back of big games all close together and some players have been played a lot, so it will not be easy."

Juventus are eight points clear of second-placed Roma in Serie A, with Antonio Conte's men expected to wrap up their third successive Scudetto in the coming weeks, but Buffon says that they can not afford to take their foot off the gas.

"Unfortunately, the title is not yet won," the Italy international continued. "Behind us are a top team in Roma, who believe in a comeback, so it should drive us to be very careful.

"The third title in a row would be the recognition of our work: I do not think we will get 100 points this season, but I want to win the championship."

Juventus need to win their final six games to make history by finishing with treble figures.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon on Juve and Italy

Apr 12, 2014

Gigi Buffon warns the Scudetto race “isn’t over yet” and has high hopes for Italy at the World Cup.

The Juventus goalkeeper spoke to Radio 105 today and insisted an eight-point gap at the top of the Serie A table isn’t insurmountable.

“The tournament isn’t over yet and Roma are proving themselves to be a very strong side playing a fantastic season,” said Buffon.

“We want to win the Europa League, yes, but also the Serie A title.”

There are going to be many Bianconeri stars in Italy’s World Cup squad flying to Brazil.

“If we all give our best, then we can really achieve something there. We are not favourites, obviously, but we can have our say.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: I’d understand Pogba’s sale

Apr 16, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon says he understands if Juventus sell Paul Pogba, as he reflects on the importance of Antonio Conte and Carlos Tevez this term.

Young midfielder Pogba has continually attracted transfer speculation during his two seasons so far with the Old Lady, with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid all linked with interest in the €40m-rated star.

For his captain, there is a realisation of why there is such interest and also why it may bear fruit over the summer.

“Paul is an undeniable talent, a natural talent, a force of nature, he is a guy who has surprised everyone, that has exploded, not even in a lot of time,” Buffon has considered to Sky Sport Italia this week.

“Within two months, two-and-a-half months we had already figured out his talent, the player we were talking about.

“Then, evaluating in an economic time like this, at these particular moments, one can have so many considerations.

“But I also say that the directors at Juventus, together with the President, have always made very prudent decisions and have hardly put a step wrong. That will again be the case this time.”

Juventus stand on the verge of collecting a third consecutive League title and for Buffon, the credit belongs to Carlos Tevez and Antonio Conte.

“First of all, without Conte, I would have gone to Roma. Then, he has brought a lot this year on a motivational level, because it can be argued that after two Scudetti, the third is not so clear cut, because in some groups there can be a sense of fulfilment that can only cause issues.

“But someone like him has helped us this year to always stay on track, not to take anything for granted.

“I also have to say that in key moments of the season, in my opinion, the will to win and the characteristics of a driver like Carlos Tevez has given us a big hand, especially at the beginning, when we were a bit apathetic.

“His great physical prowess, although he is not enormous, his competitive spirit, in many games, especially at the start, dragged us and earned us the three points.

“Our objectives? We want the Scudetto and the Europa League, to return to being among the best in Europe.

“The Europa League is not a requirement, it is definitely a goal that could be within our reach, or is within our reach.

“If we express ourselves 100 per cent and if all the factors are in our favour.”