Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8386]

Gianluigi Buffon considered Roma

Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has told Sky how he was close
to joining Roma before Antonio Conte's arrival convinced him to stay in Turin.

Apr 16, 2014

Prior to Conte's appointment, Buffon admits he was growing disillusioned with life with the Bianconeri.

"We had finished seventh two years in a row, and the fans were wondering whether I would ever be myself again after injury, and at times like those, a player does want to start over again, and the only solution was to make a change," the 36-year-old said.

Instead, Conte was appointed as Juve coach in the summer of 2011 and Buffon, who remained with the club in 2006 despite their enforced relegation to Serie B, felt that change had been made for him -- without leaving Turin.

"Like I've said, everybody's destiny is laid out, or at least there is a path which either you choose to follow or change, and at a certain point there was a series of events, including Conte's arrival and the president getting closer to the club again, that gave me renewed energy to try to win the league again," continued Buffon.

"Considering that now we're close to winning a third scudetto in a row, then I think I've never made a better decision than that one. You only have regrets when you make the wrong decisions, and my decision to stay with Juve and write an important chapter in this amazing club's history cannot allow any room for regret.

"How could I ever regret not having joined Roma seeing how my story with Juve has continued?"

Juve need to win just three of their remaining five matches to secure a third straight Serie A title with eight points currently separating them from Roma, who host the Bianconeri on the penultimate weekend of the season, when the title may already have been decided.

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Juventus identify heir to Gianluigi Buffon

Apr 22, 2014

Juventus are said to be targeting Udinese goalkeeper Simone Scuffet as the long-term replacement for captain Gianluigi Buffon.

The 17-year-old has been in great form at the Stadio Friuli since breaking into the team this season, and has been attracting the attention of many top clubs across Europe.

Sportmediaset suggest that the youngster has now become the top target for champions Juventus.

They also suggest that any deal would be postponed until summer 2015, allowing the player to gain more valuable first-team action in Udine.

Buffon, 36, has been in between the posts for the Bianconeri since a world record move from Parma in 2001, but now it seems the Turin giants are eyeing up a successor.

Italian under-19 international Scuffet, has made 13 appearances this season in Serie A, and could even be in line to go to the World Cup in the summer as back-up to Buffon.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'Different, but wonderful'

May 4, 2014

Gigi Buffon is one of the few Juventus players with experience of winning a title without playing. “It’s different, but still wonderful.”

The Bianconeri have started the Scudetto party already after Roma’s 4-1 defeat to Catania, making their result against Atalanta tomorrow night irrelevant.

“It is the second time I’ve won a Scudetto without playing, as it happened about 10 years ago. It’s different, a special sensation, but still wonderful,” the goalkeeper told Mediaset Premium.

“Of course I prefer the satisfaction of winning on the field, that moment the whistle blows and you have given everything you’ve got, both physical and psychological.”

Buffon reveals he knew Juve had it made over a month ago with their last-gasp 1-0 win in Genoa.

“We had gone through so many scares in that game and Genoa probably deserved more, but we managed to bring out that Andrea Pirlo free kick from nowhere that gave us confidence. We knew that we could push forward and put our hands on the Scudetto.”

Roma seemed listless and unmotivated this afternoon, aware the title was going to Juve on Monday anyway.

“In general all of Italian football should thank Roma for the way they played this season and kept the title race alive. On many occasions this term they truly impressed me.

“We weren’t certain we could achieve our targets because they were so strong and confident that it frightened us, so I think the credit goes to them for pushing everyone harder.”

Next season both Roma and Juve will be in the Champions League, while Napoli go via a preliminary round.

“I think that when you don’t have the economic power of other clubs, it is important to be inventive and find the courage to dare,” concluded Buffon.

“These are the only ways I know for us to bridge the huge economic gap.”

[Socrates 8386]

Roma frightened Juventus
in Scudetto race, admits Buffon

The experienced goalkeeper says he has been "truly impresseed"
by Rudi Garcia's men and thanked them for bring the best out of the Bianconeri.

May 5, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has expressed his gratitude to Roma for pushing Juventus to reach ever greater heights this season.

The Bianconeri were crowned Serie A champions on Sunday following the Giallorossi 's 4-1 defeat at Catania, yet the Italy international says that that shock defeat should not detract from what has been a remarkable season for Rudi Garcia's men, who finished seventh last year.

"In general, all of Italian football should thank Roma for the way they played this season and kept the title race alive," Buffon told Mediaset Premium. "On many occasions this term they truly impressed me.

"We weren't certain we could achieve our targets because they were so strong and confident that it frightened us, so I think the credit goes to them for pushing everyone harder."

Buffon, a five-time league champion with Juventus, said he preferred to earn points to win the title, but was delighted to have claimed the crown nonetheless.

"It is the second time I've won a Scudetto without playing, as it happened about 10 years ago. It’s different, a special sensation, but still wonderful.

"Of course I prefer the satisfaction of winning on the field, that moment the whistle blows and you have given everything you’ve got, both physical and psychological."

The Juve captain then went on to reveal that the 1-0 win over Genoa on March 16, when Andrea Pirlo struck with a late free kick, was the moment when he believed that the title was on its way to Turin once again.

"We had gone through so many scares in that game and Genoa probably deserved more, but we managed to bring out that Pirlo free-kick from nowhere that gave us confidence," he explained.

"We knew that we could push forward and put our hands on the Scudetto."

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'World Cup calls deserved'

May 14, 2014

Gigi Buffon believes Cesare Prandelli’s World Cup picks were “deserved” and hopes Italy can excel as underdogs.

The goalkeeper was interviewed by Il Sole 24 Ore and Sky Sport Italia at the Palasport di Verbania this evening.

“In the last four years we built something important that brought many fans back to the Nazionale and increased our sense of belonging,” said Buffon.

“Italy are never the favourites going into a major tournament, but history teaches us that as underdogs Italy have always been able to find their role as a protagonist. We always want to amaze and this year is no different.

“Prandelli has created an ideal mix, so I think the call-ups are right and deserved. The Coach looked at the Serie A performances to find the 30 names.

“As far as I am concerned, I think Antonio Cassano’s call-up was deserved. We’ll see if this mix proves to be a winning one, but it’s only normal when there are some who are unhappy after such a large group of talents is cut down to just 30.

“I take this opportunity to send thanks to all the lads, like Alessandro Diamanti, Emanuele Giaccherini, Alberto Gilardino and Domenico Criscito, who aren’t here and proved themselves to be great men during their time with the Azzurri.”

The World Cup winner looked back over his lengthy Azzurri career and picked some of his favourites.

“The 2006 semi-final against Germany was very important, as there was a real sense of payback. There were so many Italian immigrants in Germany who wanted this victory and throughout the tournament that sensation was palpable.

“The match I remember with the most disappointment was against South Korea in 2002. At that time they were still using the Golden Goal and it was shocking to be eliminated that way.

“In all these years of my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet splendid people. The person I cultivated the greatest friendship with is Alex Del Piero. We had unforgettable moments together, both good and bad.”

Buffon is seen as a role model, as captain of Italy and Juventus, so commented on the state of the sport today in Italy.

“Football is the national sport because it is part of our culture and will continue to be passed on from father to son. It is an economic sport and the one that brings the most people together. For children there is nothing easier than to play football together in any place.

“However, often too much expectation from parents takes children away from the beauty of this sport. I think kids should always try to face off in a fair and real way, respecting the rules. That helps you to grow every day in life as well as on the field.”

Buffon comes from a sporting family, but not a footballing one.

“From the moment I made my debut, I was the black sheep of the family! My parents were international athletics stars, my sisters play volleyball for Italy. Fortunately I arrived in the Nazionale too.

“During the 1990 World Cup I became very passionate about football and the Cameroon goalkeeper N’Kono was my absolute hero. Thanks to my father I became a goalkeeper. By the age of 13 I’d played in every role and he advised me to try going between the posts. From that moment on I never moved from the box.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Three Serie A titles
are payback for Calciopoli

The Juventus captain remains aggrieved about being stripped of two Scudetti
following the scandal in 2006 and says his club deserves their success.

May 16, 2014

EXCLUSIVE

Gianluigi Buffon has described Juventus' three successive Serie A titles as "payback" for all the misery the club suffered following the Calciopoli crisis.

The Bianconeri were controversially stripped of two Scudetti and demoted to Serie B after being implicated in the infamous scandal in 2006.

After losing a number of star players, as well as incurring heavy economic losses, Juventus struggled to recover - finishing seventh in consecutive seasons in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

However, following the appointment of Antonio Conte as coach three years ago, the Turin club finally returned to their former glories and a fortnight ago celebrated a third straight Scudetto.

"These Scudetti feel a bit like payback for everything we’ve had to go through as a club and for me as a player," Buffon told Goal at a launch event for the new PUMA Tricks boot.

"For the difficult choices that I had to make, ones that complicated my career, that disrupted my career path.

"Winning these three championships in a row has given me something in return, some happiness and success."

The Calciopoli scandal represents one of the bleakest periods in Italian football, and one that has led to years of sporting and civil court cases - as well as an acrimonious rift between rivals Juventus and Inter.

Juventus have refused to accept the legitimacy of the original court judgement, acknowledging that they have won 32 Scudetti and not the 30 recognised by the Lega Serie A.

"Calciopoli deprived me of future successes and it deprived me of two successes from the past," added Buffon.

"On a professional level, as a player, to have all of that success taken away from you like that, it was devastating."

Juventus and Buffon face Cagliari this Sunday in the final round of the Serie A season. A victory will take the Old Lady up to 102 points, which will represent a new all-time seasonal record for a major European league.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon 'upset' by CL questioning

May 16, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has refused to comment on whether he would swap three Scudetti for a Champions League triumph.

The Bianconeri won their third-straight League title this term, and could, with a win at the weekend, become the first Italian side to register over 100 points in the League.

And the goalkeeper has insisted that the trio of triumphs have been the result of incredible amounts of work.

“Would I swap a Champions League for three League titles? It’s a question that upsets me,” he told the Wired Next Fest in Milan.

“Those trophies are a result of hard work every day for three years.”

The Italy international then commented on rumours that Coach Antonio Conte could leave in the summer.

“The departure of Antonio Conte is an idea that we’re not even taking into consideration.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: You'll have to sweat to beat Italy

The Azzurri skipper is adamant that his side's opponents can expect
a tough match at this summer's World Cup and is keen to stay at Juventus.

May 20, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has told Italy's World Cup rivals not to expect an easy game when they face his side this summer.

Cesare Prandelli's side have been drawn into a daunting group also involving England, Uruguay and Costa Rica but the veteran goalkeeper says his team-mates will be hard to crack.

"A solid, well organised team that will never lose games on its own," Buffon replied when asked by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport what to expect from Italy.

"It will be tough to beat us, without exception. Against us you sweat, because this group does not give anything to anyone on the field.

"We have the technical and moral qualities to aim high at the World Cup."

Buffon helped Juventus clinch a third consecutive Serie A title this season and is pleased with the form he has displayed since undergoing back surgery in 2010.

"For three years I have been giving very important answers to myself and to those who doubted, appropriately, a full recovery," Buffon added.

"At 36 I'm still here, at a high level, and it is a great feeling."

The former Parma man's contract at Juve expires in 2015 and he has no desire to leave the Italian champions.

"I'm fine in Turin," he explained. "And the relationship with chairman Andrea Agnelli is nice and fair.

"He has already shown the willingness to support my every decision. So everything will be very clear."

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‘Juve without Conte unthinkable’

May 20, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has offered insight into Antonio Conte’s management style and described a Juventus without him as ‘unthinkable’.

The club have confirmed that the Coach is in place to stay with them for the 2014-15 campaign, despite recent hints from the 44-year-old that he was considering the team as having reached the end of a cycle.

For his club captain, his influence on the team’s current run of success, including three consecutive League titles, cannot be quantified.

“He is a maniacal professional and obsessed with victory, because I believe he does not take into account that one day he may not win,” Buffon has considered to Sky Sport Italia this week.

“He has this strong will to excel, he has certainly made us great and he was a blessing for Juve, for us players and for the whole environment.

“But it is also true that for his part, the effort, the mental and nervous energy that this all requires, it’s huge.

“Juve without Conte is something unthinkable, because of how we have been and how we have enjoyed great growth - I believe there is still room to improve the whole.

“But it is also true that we must always be convinced of what we do. I believe that at a corporate level, Juve is really back on top, so we have this fortune, and we also have the certainty that any decision made will be for the good of Juve.

“There is no measurement to understand his merits, he has been very good in getting the most out of every player. And I put myself in there too, with his own way of doing things, which, if you will, can be cantankerous.

“Just before the match with Cagliari [Week 38], the day before, we were starting the meeting, I started to say: ‘Mister, I’m sorry, but we should talk about something’.

“And he in a manner so brisk: ‘No, no, no, no, no, I do not have to take a break, now watch the video’. I mean, I was speechless for a second. You say, okay, you are 36, you are the captain.

“But later, in retrospect, you know why he does it, maybe because he was afraid that talking about other things would see us not focus on the commitment the next day, and perhaps with that the chance of 102 points would have gone.

“And so, in some respects, after a day or two, we laugh really, because you can say that in his life, he can do nothing but win.”

[Socrates 8386]

‘Italy will cause headaches’

May 20, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon admits that Italy may not be outright favourites to win the World Cup, but sees them capable of causing a few headaches.

The Azzurri today begin training in preparation for the summer tournament, which their captain and 139-cap veteran believes they can carry optimism into, even if tempered with a bit of reality.

“This is an Italy that certainly will not start on the front row, but perhaps in the second row, yes,” Buffon has explained this week to Sky Sport Italia.

“In the second to third group we are there, because we have deserved it, because at the last two international competitions we have been at we have two medals - a silver at the European Championships and a bronze at the Confederation Cup.

“It signifies something good and that we are on a rising path. And we hope that we can reach the climax of this journey at the World Cup.

“We know that to win another World Cup, you have to eliminate other national sides like Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and for this it is very complicated.

“With this I say that, if we were to progress and then one day we have to meet one of them, I am convinced that they too will have their headaches and will not be happy to meet us.

“In short, we shall see…”

Buffon, who also considered Antonio Conte’s influence at Juventus, reflected on his season at club level and from a personal viewpoint.

“I think that from October, so after Florence, it has been a great season, full of satisfaction for the team, but also personally, because I think I have been at a consistent performance level.

“In all this I think I have some of the credit, because in the end I am 36 and after a start in which I could have been criticised, I wanted to sweep away all doubt in the best way, the most suitable way.

“That is, once again demonstrating, if there was any need, my worth and what I can do.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Italy a level below World Cup
favourites Brazil, Spain, Germany & Argentina

Cesare Prandelli's side reached the final of Euro 2012 but the Juventus goalkeeper
thinks making the quarter-finals would be a good result for the Azzurri this summer.

May 28, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon says that Italy are a level below World Cup favourites Brazil, Spain, Germany and Argentina.

Cesare Prandelli's men reached the final of Euro 2012 and cruised through their qualification group undefeated.

However, Buffon is not optimistic about Italy's chances of triumphing in Brazil this summer, not least because they could run into Spain - the side that routed them 4-0 in Kiev two years ago - in the quarter-finals.

"Our national team is reliable," the Juventus goalkeeper told reporters. "We win the games that we should win and sometimes we even manage to spring a surprise or two.

"We are a mature team. We have certainties but also some limitations.

"One must also recognise the strength of the opponents. We are one step below Brazil, Spain, Germany and Argentina.

"We want to do our best and not have any kind of regret.

"I'm not absolutely certain that can we reach the final but the quarter-finals onwards would be a good World Cup for us.

"I say this also because we could meet Spain in the quarters and there would be no shame in going out against them."

Four-time world champions Italy have been drawn in the same group as Uruguay, England and Costa Rica.

[Socrates 8386]

De Rossi praises captain Buffon

May 28, 2014

Daniele De Rossi has praised his Italy teammate and captain Gigi Buffon, saying the goalkeeper has an incredible winning mentality.

The Roma man was interviewed as part of a promotional FIFA video for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.

As well as discussing the 36-year-old shot-stopper, the midfielder said playing at football’s showpiece event was the pinnacle of any player’s career.

“It will be my third World Cup,” De Rossi said. “Whenever I go to play at a World Cup the adrenalin and the emotion is always the same.

“It’s the best thing that can happen to a footballer.

“Buffon has the mentality of a winner, an incredible mentality. He is a player who always wants to win, even in every training match.

“He is also a guy you can have a joke with. He is a genuine person who will always be a great fighter against anyone.

“He is of great value both on the pitch and within the dressing room.”

[Socrates 8386]

#WorldCupRank: No. 39 Gianluigi Buffon

May 30, 2014

No. 39 Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus/Italy

Why he's ranked: The tagline "legend" is bestowed with a little too much gusto in modern sport, but Buffon certainly fits the bill when such accolades are handed out. He may be 36, but this rugged, commanding 2006 World Cup winner has enough medals in his collection to suggest he can still claim to be the world's finest keeper.

Key stat: All-time leader in caps for Italian national team (139 as of March 5, 2014).

What the experts say: "Underneath the goalkeeper jersey, you could be forgiven for thinking there is a Superman shirt. His former captain Fabio Cannavaro believed the No. 1 to be tattooed on his skin. Arguably the greatest of all-time, a sense of the man is given by another World Cup winner and former teammate, Lilian Thuram. 'Wherever Buffon decides to go, I will follow him because he gives me so much security to my back.'" -- James Horncastle

"One of the best goalkeepers in history, he is faithful to Italy's long tradition of producing quality in that position. He is the captain and the reference point for this Azzurri squad." -- Leonardo Bertozzi, ESPN Brazil

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon injury scare against England

Jun 14, 2014

Gigi Buffon suffered a “slight ankle sprain and is undergoing treatment” ahead of tonight’s World Cup opener against England.

Italy begin their tournament in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT), but are beset by injury problems.

Last night the Azzurri trained on the Manaus pitch and Juventus shot-stopper Buffon sprained his left ankle.

“He has a slight ankle sprain and is undergoing treatment,” explained Cesare Prandelli.

Professor Enrico Castellacci was less reassuring and said Buffon has “a 50 per cent chance” of starting tonight’s game, as he was seen limping on to the team bus.

There are further concerns, as second choice Salvatore Sirigu did not train for several days this week due to a bruised rib, so the PSG man is not in great shape either.

It is possible Mattia Perin of Genoa might have to play, although Buffon will do everything possible to be there.

The injury in the warm-up raises more questions about the pitch in Manaus, which looked suspiciously green last night compared to only 48 hours earlier.

There are reports the Brazilian authorities might’ve painted the turf green in order to hide the patches and sand beneath the grass.

Mattia De Sciglio was ruled out by a muscular injury on Thursday, so Giorgio Chiellini is moved over to his former role at left-back.

In his place, Cesare Prandelli has been testing Parma defender Paletta alongside Andrea Barzagli, leaving Juventus man Leonardo Bonucci on the bench.

Torino revelation Matteo Darmian is expected to beat Milan’s Ignazio Abate to the right-back slot.

For some time now Prandelli has moved towards a 4-1-4-1 formation with Daniele De Rossi protecting the defence, but above all Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo together as dual playmakers.

It is hoped this system will allow the Azzurri to maintain possession and provide other options when England man-mark Pirlo.

Claudio Marchisio and Lazio’s Antonio Candreva are the attacking midfielders who can push up to support striker Mario Balotelli.

Potential substitutes for the second half include Parma veteran Antonio Cassano, Serie A Capocannoniere Ciro Immobile and Napoli’s sparkling Lorenzo Insigne.

Probable line-ups

England: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Henderson, Gerrard; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge

Italy: Sirigu Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio; Balotelli

[Socrates 8386]

'Pessimism' over Buffon injury

Jun 14, 2014

There is “pessimism” filtering through from the Italy camp over Gigi Buffon’s chances of facing England tonight.

The Azzurri open their World Cup campaign in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT).

Captain Buffon sprained his left ankle in last night’s training session at the Arena Amazonia and has been undergoing physiotherapy.

There is no official word from the Nazionale staff yet, but Sky Sport Italia claim there is “pessimism” filtering through from sources.

Buffon was spotted going into the hotel gym with physiotherapists and medical staff this morning after breakfast to perform tests.

It is reported the initial results were not positive, as there are fears the sprain might’ve also affected his left knee.

Salvatore Sirigu is ready to take over, although the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper is not 100 per cent fit either due to bruised ribs.

The only other option would be Genoa youngster Mattia Perin, who has never made an official appearance for the senior Italy squad.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon out, Sirigu starts

Jun 14, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon is out of Italy’s World Cup opener with England tonight, so Salvatore Sirigu starts in goal.

The captain pulled up during last night’s training session at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus with a sprained left ankle.

He underwent physiotherapy both yesterday and again this morning, but the fitness tests performed in the hotel gym were not reassuring.

Italy medical staff have advised him not to play this evening, as there are also concerns the sprain might’ve spread to the knee and thigh muscle.

If it proves to be a more serious injury, Buffon cannot be replaced, as players can only be brought in until 24 hours before the opening game.

It’s reported Buffon sustained the injury during a practice goal kick.

This means Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sirigu gets the nod in only his ninth cap, the second competitive match for Italy.

His only other tournament game was a 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory away to Estonia in September 2010.

The Azzurri must also do without the injured Mattia De Sciglio, who has a thigh problem, while Riccardo Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi pulled out before the tournament began.

Probable line-ups

England: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge

Italy: Sirigu; Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio; Balotelli

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'A missed game or World Cup...'

Jun 14, 2014

Gigi Buffon wished Salvatore Sirigu the best of luck, but hinted he could “miss another World Cup” due to injury.

The goalkeeper has been ruled out of tonight’s opener against England in Manaus after spraining his left ankle during a training session.

“Good day to everyone...” wrote Buffon on his official Twitter and WhoSay accounts.

“Life is beautiful and I am still indebted to her... It won’t be a missed game or another World Cup missed out to make me change my mind!!!

“Besides, there are many ways to be important, even if you’re not a protagonist on the field... therefore... forza great Salvatore... forza magical lads... FORZA ITALIA, my great love!!!”

Cesare Prandelli insists he will “have another test” before kick-off at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT), but there are reports the sprain has also affected the knee.

Buffon’s statement hints that the injury could be so serious as to rule him out of the World Cup entirely, an experience he already has after missing the 2010 edition.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon ruled out of Italy-England game

The veteran hurt his ankle in training and has failed to recover
in time to face Roy Hodgson's men in the two sides' opening World Cup fixture.

Jun 14, 2014

Italy have been dealt a severe blow ahead of their World Cup opener against England after goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was ruled out with an ankle injury.

The 36-year-old left training early on Friday with the problem, but it was hoped he would recover in time to take his place on Saturday evening, with coach Cesare Prandelli describing it as "nothing serious".

However, Buffon confimed on his official Facebook page on Saturday that he would not be fit to start the game.

"Good day everyone... Life is beautiful and I am still in your debt... It will take more than one missed game or one missed World Cup to change my mind!" wrote the 140-capped international.

"There are still ways to be important, even if you are not a protagonist on the field... so... Forza Great Salvatore... Forza magic boys... FORZA ITALIA, my great love."

Paris Saint-Germain keeper Salvatore Sirigu is expected to start in his absence as the Azzurri look to get off to a flying start in Group D.

One positive for Prandelli, however, was the condition of the playing surface in Manaus, with a close inspection arresting fears of an uneven pitch that had been reported in the days leading up to the game.

"Regarding the pitch, the grass was described to me as being in very bad condition, but when I got here it was actually very good," said the 56-year-old.

Prandelli will keep his formation and selection a secret until the last minute, hoping to keep players competing for places.

He believes Roy Hodgson's England are a different prospect to the one Italy overcame on penalties in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.

"Two years ago we won on penalties but England are a different team, they have changed their system, their style of play," Prandelli said.

"We have to remember the good things we did in the past but we are facing a new team. Especially in attack, they have four players who are very, very good."

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Buffon 'will be back soon'

Jun 14, 2014

Gigi Buffon “thought he had broken everything, but will get away with a few days of treatment,” revealed his sister.

The Italy goalkeeper sprained his left ankle in training and has been ruled out of tonight’s World Cup opener with England.

He posted a message on Twitter and WhoSay that implied he could be out for the tournament, but his sister Guendalina was more encouraging.

“I was pretty worried about his condition. We sent each other some text messages this morning and Gigi lifted my spirits,” she told Rai Radio 2.

“There was a moment when he thought he had broken everything, but he’ll get away with a few days of treatment.

“We’ll have to wait for his debut in this World Cup, but soon he’ll be in great shape.”

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu will start tonight in Manaus, but it remains to be seen whether Buffon will recover in time for the second Group D match against Costa Rica on Friday.

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Sirigu: 'Buffon helped me'

Jun 15, 2014

Salvatore Sirigu reveals Gigi Buffon “reassured” him before his World Cup debut against England.

The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper had only played one competitive match for Italy before this, but put in a great performance for the 2-1 victory in Manaus after Buffon’s sudden injury.

“I had a calm evening, then on the morning of the game I found out that Buffon was injured,” Sirigu told Sky Sport Italia.

“I received a few phone calls and realised it was becoming something really serious. We have a strong and wonderful group that gives you strength even off the field. This is important, as it can be the key to going forward.

“I didn’t know what to say to Buffon, as these are difficult situations, because I was happy to play and at the same time disappointed for him.

“He told me that he was pleased it wasn’t a serious injury and also content I was going to be the one replacing him. That reassured me.”

[Socrates 8386]

De Sciglio and Buffon updates

Jun 15, 2014

Mattia De Sciglio feels he’ll be ready to face Costa Rica, but Gigi Buffon reportedly won’t return until Uruguay.

Italy won their opening World Cup game, beating England 2-1 despite losing two key players just hours before kick-off in Manaus.

Milan left-back De Sciglio was a particularly heavy blow, as it forced Giorgio Chiellini to go wide and brought Gabriel Paletta into the centre of defence.

“I am feeling much better now. I think I’ll be ready to play against Costa Rica,” De Sciglio told journalists.

The Azzurri face surprise Group D leaders Costa Rica in Recife on Friday afternoon, kicking off at 18.00 (CET).

However, according to the latest reports it looks as if Buffon won’t be available for that showdown with the side that beat Uruguay 3-1.

The goalkeeper sprained his left ankle in a training session the day before the England game and it reportedly caused an inflammation to the tibial tendon too.

Salvatore Sirigu put in a fine performance in Manaus and the Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper is expected to start at least the next match, possibly all the group fixtures.

This isn’t the first time Buffon has been unlucky with injuries at a major tournament. He missed Euro 2000 when fracturing a finger during a warm-up friendly against Norway and hurt his back in the first half of the 2010 World Cup opener with Paraguay.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon was 'pretty worried' by injury

Jun 15, 2014

Italy’s medical staff confirm they were “pretty worried” about Gigi Buffon, but now confident he and Mattia De Sciglio will soon be fit.

Professor Enrico Castellacci spoke at the Press conference in Mangaratiba this evening after last night’s 2-1 victory over England.

“At this moment Buffon and De Sciglio are the only real issues,” said the chief medic, “as the others are fine apart from the usual aches and pains.

“As you saw, in Friday’s training session Gigi’s ankle turned in an abnormal way, which provoked a sprain of the ankle and the knee.

“At the time we were pretty worried. As for the knee, there are no particularly serious problems there, but the ankle was affected in the anterior tibial ligament.

“From this afternoon we will evaluate and, if necessary, perform hospital tests. He has already begun ad hoc treatment.”

There have been reports Buffon will be available for the last group game with Uruguay on June 24, but others suggest he won’t return until the knockouts.

“In a World Cup we obviously will try to get the player back as quickly as possible, but remember his health comes first.

“We are fairly relaxed and confident his recovery can be quick, but don’t tell me if he’ll be able to play the next game. We have to take this one day at a time.”
Buffon posted a Twitter message implying he could be out for “another World Cup,” having missed Euro 2000 and almost all of the 2010 edition.

“At the start it was a problem psychologically for him, as in the moment he saw all the previous negative experiences go through his head. Then optimism began to take over,” explained Professor Castellacci.

“In truth, Gigi was almost smiling in the locker room and told me he was very happy to hear it wasn’t so serious. He had been expecting to leave this World Cup behind.”

The other injury was a thigh problem for Milan left-back De Sciglio, who forced Cesare Prandelli to reshuffle his back line.

“De Sciglio has a bruise, but no muscular lesions. This gives us a note of optimism, but it only happened a few days ago and right now he is not in any condition to train with the other players.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon returns to Italy training

The 36-year-old's injury is not as serious as first thought and there was
also good news regarding Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli.

Jun 17, 2014

Italy have been given a huge boost ahead of their World Cup clash with Costa Rica after captain Gianluigi Buffon returned to training.

The veteran goalkeeper sat out his country's 2-1 victory over England in Manaus last Saturday due to an ankle injury but Italy's team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed on Monday that he was hopeful Buffon would not miss any further games in Brazil.

And the 36-year-old now appears to be in line for a return in Recife on Friday, with Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli also playing some part in Tuesday's session.

"Good news for Cesare Prandelli," the FIGC announced on its official website. "Buffon, De Sciglio, De Rossi and Barzagli returned from injury and are on the road to recovery."

With all four players available to coach Cesare Prandelli, Italy were able to train together as a full squad for the first time since Buffon suffered his injury last Friday.

“Right after the injury on Friday evening, [buffon] thought he had to leave the World Cup, but now as time passes he knows that this isn’t the case,” said Castellacci.

"Yesterday he wasn’t able to play, he is in therapy and today we’ll do other checks and if necessary, other diagnostic tests. We will try to recover him as soon as possible even if his health is priority."

Prandelli, though, may choose to leave the veteran out in order for him to make a full recovery as Italy have one eye on the knockout stages.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'Defeat changes nothing'

Jun 20, 2014

Gigi Buffon insists the defeat to Costa Rica “changes nothing” for Italy’s final group match against Uruguay.

“At the end of the day we hoped to do better and to do what we had prepared to make life difficult for Costa Rica,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.

“Instead we had a few more problems than anticipated and after taking the lead Costa Rica controlled the situation well.”

This is Buffon’s fifth World Cup campaign and it was his first appearance of the tournament, having missed the 2-1 win over England with a sprained ankle.

“You get back on your feet by looking on the bright side, which is that even a draw wouldn’t have changed anything, as we still needed a draw against Uruguay,” assured the captain.

“In fact, even a victory would’ve left us needing a point to be absolutely sure. Costa Rica’s qualification was a shock for those who take some things for granted and think there are still weak teams in a World Cup.

“For several years now we have realised there’s no such thing as a Cinderella side in major tournaments.”

Italy can still qualify with a draw against Uruguay, as they are in front on goal difference, but England have been eliminated.

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Buffon: 'Exit would be a failure'

Jun 22, 2014

Gigi Buffon said Italy are “worried to the right degree” against Uruguay and raise their game in difficulty, but “elimination would be a failure.”

The Group D decider kicks off in Natal on Tuesday at 17.00 UK time (13.00 local time), as a point will be enough for the Azzurri to go through.

“History teaches us the higher the stakes, the more we deliver. Mind you, it would be a little masochistic and risky if we only performed when we were drowning...” confessed the goalkeeper in a Press conference.

“This is my 10th major tournament and only once, in last year’s Confederations Cup, where we already qualified before the third game.

“Uruguay are a side to be feared and there is an echo effect from the recent games. We are coming off a deserved defeat to Costa Rica, while Uruguay are fresh from beating England.

“I wasn’t so worried in South Africa four years ago, as we needed only a draw against Slovakia. Here it’s more demanding and our opponents more of a concern. Let’s say we are worried to the right degree.”

In 2010 the Azzurri went out in the group phase, losing that decider to Slovakia, though Buffon was out injured. What would happen if Italy went out in the first round of their second World Cup running?

“We certainly wouldn’t go into history as the best Italy side. It would be a huge disappointment for each player, for the group and considered a failure for the team. Nobody can deny that. Nobody is afraid of taking the responsibility that comes with it.

“If we do go through, then there will be some very tough opponents waiting for us. Perhaps our problems would’ve just begun, but going out in the second round or quarter-finals is different to a group stage exit.

“Optimism is found with performances and a great game on Tuesday. It will require many ingredients: a passionate heart and cool head, plus a certain belief that mustn’t be ruined by a single game that went wrong.”