Gianluigi Buffon

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Juventus open Buffon talks

Jul 15, 2012

Juventus have opened talks with the agent of Gianluigi Buffon regarding a contract extension in Turin.

The 34-year-old is only tied to the Turin giants until June 2013, but the two parties want to prolong their relationship.

According to Tuttosport, club officials have started to discuss the matter with Silvano Martina – the Italian international’s representative.

Juve are ready to offer the custodian a deal until 2015, but they will ask the 2001 signing from Parma to reduce his salary.

Buffon is currently the club’s highest earner thanks to his €6m deal, but the club are hoping he will accept a €4m wage that could increase with bonuses.

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Buffon targets 50-game-a-season mark for Juventus and Italy

The experienced goalkeeper has admitted that he wants to play as many matches as possible

for club and country in the new season and is looking towards the World Cup in 2014.

Jul 21, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he is aiming to make at least 50 appearances for Juventus and Italy in the 2012-13 campaign.

The veteran goalkeeper, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, captained the Azzurri at Euro 2012, and confessed that he is looking forward to getting back to action for the Turin giants despite just a short break.

“I can’t wait to join my team-mates, as too many days have passed since I was last on the football field,” the 34-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have set myself the target of playing at least 50 games this season between Juventus and the national team. I know that I can do it.

“We are the number one club in Italy and we have great directors. Giuseppe Marotta is excellent at his job and knows what to do, so I am relaxed and have the utmost faith in the club,” the shot-stopper continued.

Buffon went on to admit that he has one eye on the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, and feels that he can compete in the tournament.

“Brazil 2014? Well, if you saw what I did at the Euros, then you’d have worked out roughly whether I’ll be at the World Cup in two years' time or not,” he said confidently.

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Buffon: 'Juve are Number 1'

Jul 21, 2012

Gigi Buffon “can’t wait” to get back to his Juventus teammates and play at least 50 games this season. “We have the Number 1 club in Italy.”

The goalkeeper is still on vacation because he was part of the Italy side that reached the Euro 2012 Final.

“I can’t wait to join my teammates, as too many days have passed since I was last on the football field,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

The Bianconeri have already signed the likes of Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah, while they have reportedly made an offer to Arsenal for Robin Van Persie.

“I won’t name names, but we have the Number 1 club in Italy and great directors. Giuseppe Marotta is excellent at his job and knows what to do, so I am relaxed and have the utmost faith in the club.”

Buffon is already 34 years old, but has no intention of winding down his career ahead of the next World Cup.

“I have set myself the target of playing at least 50 games this season between Juventus and the Nazionale. I know that I can do it.

“Brazil 2014? Well, if you saw what I did at the Euros, then you’d have worked out roughly whether I’ll be at the World Cup in two years or not...”

The shot-stopper was speaking at the presentation of Carrarese’s new campaign, as he bought his hometown club and could be the President in future.

“I am in a situation that I’m not really accustomed to, as I am still a player, but I could not resist the call of my homeland. When Carrarese were in difficulty, I felt it was my duty to help. At that point I decided to buy all the club shares.

“There is a serious and credible project in place here and we took some young players from Juve who will have a future in Serie B or A.”

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Buffon set to sign Juventus extension until 2016

The veteran goalkeeper is still a key figure at the Turin powerhouse,

and is supposedly close to inking a new deal with the titleholders.

Aug 1, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon is on the verge of signing a new contract with Juventus that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2016, Tuttosport reports.

The 34-year-old's current deal with the Serie A champions is due to expire at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, but the Bianconeri are eager to hold on to Buffon beyond the expiry date of his existing contract.

Buffon is set to meet Juve president Andrea Agnelli later this week to discuss a three-year extension, and could even accept a pay cut in order to agree terms. The Italy international is currently one of the top earners in Serie A with an annual salary of €6 million.

The goalkeeper has stressed more than once that he wants to stay at Juve until the end of his active career, and the Old Lady are hopeful of reaching an agreement shortly.

Buffon joined Juve from Parma in 2001 for €54m, and has since made over 300 league appearances for the Turin giants.

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Buffon eyes new Juve contract

Aug 1, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon is reportedly ready to sign a new contract tying him to Juventus until June 2016.

The goalkeeper has often said he intends to end his career in Turin and his current deal expires next summer.

According to the latest reports in the Italian newspapers, Buffon is set to meet with President Andrea Agnelli over the next few days.

There will be a reduction in wages, as many of the old guard are asked to consider this possibility during a financial crisis.

The contract is expected to be renewed until June 2015 or even 2016.

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Buffon: 'Juve want Super Cup'

Aug 7, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has shaken off an injury in Beijing and warns Napoli “we want to win the Italian Super Cup” on Saturday.

Juventus began training in China on Monday ahead of the August 11 showdown, which kicks off at 13.00 UK time.

“After the age of 30 when you start training for the first two weeks, it’s normal to have a few aches and pains, because the engine has to warm up again,” he said after a back problem last week.

“I feel better now and resumed training, so the problem is behind me.”

It has been a tense few days in the Bianconeri camp, as Coach Antonio Conte, assistant manager Angelo Alessio, players Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe face potential bans in the betting trial.

Another of Conte’s assistants, Cristian Stellini, tended his resignation last night after accepting a plea bargain.

“When I am with my teammates, the Coach and on the field, I feel good and my strength is that I know nothing and nobody can ever affect me,” continued Buffon.

“Our fortune is that we have the opportunity, when stepping outside the locker room and on to the pitch, to put all the problems that affect football right now behind us.

“Now we have an important objective and we want to win the Italian Super Cup, as we care about it a great deal.”

The Supercoppa traditionally kicks off the season and is between the Scudetto holders and winners of the Coppa Italia.

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Buffon: Juventus want to win Supercoppa Italiana

The veteran goalkeeper is full of ambition ahead of this weekend's clash with Napoli,

and has stressed his injury problems are behind him.

Aug 8, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is determined to start the 2012-13 campaign on a high and win the upcoming Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli.

The Turin giants impressed last season as they won the Serie A title without losing a single game, and the veteran shot-stopper is eager to add more silverware to the club's trophy cabinet at the weekend.

"We’ve currently got an important target in front of us. We want to put on a good show and win this cup – it means a lot to us," Buffon was quoted as saying on the official Juve website.

The experienced Italy international missed his side's friendly against Malaga due to injury, but he stressed that he will be fit for the match versus Napoli.

"After turning 30 it is normal to have certain aches and pains during the first two weeks of preparation. Your body needs to get back into the swing of things.

"Now I feel better, I have started to train again, so the problem’s gone."

Saturday's Supercoppa clash will be held in Beijing, China, with kick-off scheduled at 14:00CET.

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Retirement is not on my mind, affirms Buffon

The veteran goalkeeper insists helping the Bianconeri win remains his only priority,

while he took the time to praise the talents of Mario Balotelli and Iker Casillas.

Aug 8, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has quashed suggestions that he could be ready to retire from professional football, claiming he is only thinking about bringing renewed success to Juventus.

The 34-year-old's comments coincide with the Old Lady's return to the Champions League next season, following a two-year hiatus from Europe's premier club competition.

"I haven't considered retiring. The only thing on my mind today is football," affirmed Buffon to assembled reporters at a press conference in China, where Juventus are due to play Napoli for the Italian Super Cup on Saturday.

"We've retained a great squad from last season, and the club's work in the transfer market will make us even stronger for our Champions League return. No matter who the opponent might be, we will always aim to win."

The 2006 World Cup winner also spoke about his role in Italy's national set-up, taking time to praise enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli as well as Spanish counterpart and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

"It is a little early to talk about playing for Italy in the 2014 World Cup, but I will always carry the desire to play for the Azzurri.

"Balotelli had a great Euro 2012, and his performances will certainly help him grow into an even more mature and complete player.

"Casillas is a great player, an excellent keeper and a man with sportsmanship, irregardless of whether he is better than I am."

Buffon captained Cesare Prandelli's men to the final of the European finals in Kiev, only to see his side crumble at the final hurdle, capitulating 4-0 to Spain.

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Buffon: Conte ban won’t motivate

Aug 10, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has dismissed the notion that the betting scandal can be used to Juventus’ advantage motivationally, but reassures that everyone is calm.

The club are facing a season without their Coach on the touchline after Antonio Conte was hit with an initial 10-month ban for his alleged involvement in the betting scandal to have hit Serie A and B.

However, Buffon has been quick to honestly suggest that the situation is unlikely provide extra stimulus for the season, even if the players remain relaxed.

“When things happen like this that can destabilise an environment, we Italians like to say that it makes you stronger,” reflected the veteran shot-stopper to the assembled media.

“Personally I do not think that they can help an individual or a team.

“That said, we are totally relaxed and we want to do our duty, namely to win the Super Cup. We come into this from a defeat in the Coppa Italia Final and to lose a final is never good.”

The Italy captain was asked for his reaction to the verdicts that have left the club potentially without its Coach on matchdays, but with Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci available for selection.

“I am happy for Simone and Leonardo, who are friends. It is a similar relationship I have with the Coach, because we were also teammates.

“To Leo and Simone I congratulate them because they have experienced this story with great courage whilst Bonucci, who played sensationally at the European Championships, has demonstrated that he is a strong man.

“As for the Coach, the will to fight is part of his DNA and after all, we are only at the first stage of the judgement.”

Buffon was also asked of the club’s decision to leave Alessandro Del Piero’s No 10 shirt vacant.

“Between now and August 26 [when Serie A kicks off] there are still a few days missing and I think the numbers are not yet definitive.

“Also, it depends on the fact that if a player feels like wearing it, because that shirt will always have a particular weight to it - he had it for 20 years and he wrote a part of Juve’s history like other champions before him. I’m thinking about Platini.”

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Buffon: Conte ban could destabilise Juventus squad

The 34-year-old has dismissed talk that the coach being sanctioned could motivate

the Bianconeri squad, but is happy that Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci have been cleared.

Aug 10, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Antonio Conte's 10-month ban could have an adverse affect on his team-mates.

It was announced on Friday morning that the 43-year-old coach would be forced to miss all of the Bianconeri's title defence after failing to report match-fixing activities to the authorities during his time at Siena.

And the Italy international has dismissed the notion that the trainer's absence will serve to motivate his team ahead of Sunday's Supercoppa Italiana meeting with Napoli.

"When things like this happen, they can destabilise the environment. We Italians like to say it makes you stronger," he told reporters.

"Personally, I do not think that they can help an individual or a team. That said, we are totally relaxed and want to do our duty: win the Supercoppa.

"We come into this from a defeat in the Coppa Italia final, and losing a final is never good. As for the coach, he has the will to fight in his DNA, and also, we are only at the first stage of his judgement."

Two Juventus players, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci, were cleared of all charges after initially being suspects in the case, and Buffon went on to voice his happiness at his team-mates' being acquitted.

"I am happy for Simone and Leonardo, who are friends of mine. I congratulate them because they have been through this with great courage, while Bonucci, who played sensationally at Euro 2012, has proved that he is a strong man."

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Buffon set for contract talks

Aug 14, 2012

Juventus intend to negotiate a new deal with Gianluigi Buffon this summer, but it is likely to involve a pay-cut.

Tuttosport understand that President Andrea Agnelli has already spoken to the Juventus captain after Euro 2012 about the intention to extend his current deal by at least one more year.

The two men are apparently set to meet in the coming days to begin official talks on the subject, with Buffon’s current deal expiring in June 2014.

However, it is believed that the Bianconeri’s strict wage structure for senior members of the squad will also apply to the 34-year-old and that his extra year would come alongside a cut from a current €6m salary down to €4m.

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Buffon aims for Champions League

Aug 17, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon insists that his club will start their Champions League campaign with the intention of winning it.

“When you play for a side like Juve then you have the ambition and aspirations to try to win everything,” stated the custodian.

“It is normal that the fans are dreaming of success, as it is normal that us players and staff remain with our feet on the ground.”

The Old Lady will be dining at Europe’s top table again after the Bianconeri lifted Lo Scudetto last season.

“There was a desire to get back into the Champions League,” the Italian international noted. “And we earned that right with what we did on the pitch.

“It’s the right reward for a side who last season achieved something great.”

The Bianconeri started 2011-12 as an unknown after finishing the previous two seasons in seventh place.

“It’s a different environment with respect to last year,” continued 34-year-old. “There’s more positivity and belief around the place now.”

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Buffon: Morale is high at Juventus

The veteran goalkeeper has stressed that the reigning Italian champions

are high on confidence as the new season approaches.

Aug 17, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon is positive about Juventus' chances ahead of the start of the 2012-13 campaign.

The Turin giants won the Serie A title last term without losing a single game, while making it to the final of the Coppa Italia as well, and got the new term off to a great start by winning the Supercoppa Italiana.

And the veteran goalkeeper is optimistic about the rest of the season, despite coach Antonio Conte receiving a 10-month ban for failing to report match-fixing activities.

"It is a different environment with respect to last year. There is more positivity and belief around the place," the Italy international stated to the official Juventus website.

The goalkeeper then went on to discuss his side's Champions League ambitions, and stressed they will employ a similar approach to what helped them to Serie A glory last term.

"As far as the Champions League is concerned, we will face it with the same approach shown in the league just a few months ago."

Juve last featured in the Champions League in 2009-10, when they failed to get out of the group stage.

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Juventus aim to challenge for the Champions League, claims Buffon

The Bianconeri, on their return to Europe's most sought-after competition,

will compete at the highest level after two years of exile according to their talisman.

Aug 17, 2012

Juventus are aiming to re-establish themselves amongst Europe's elite, with Gianluigi Buffon insisting that the Italian side are looking to win the Champions League on their return to the competition.

The Turin-based club won the Serie A title last season, going unbeaten during the whole league campaign, but their preparations for the new season have been hit by their coach Antonio Conte's 10-month suspension following his role in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal.

Despite this setback Buffon believes the club is prepared to challenge on all fronts this season.

"When you play for a side like Juve you have the ambition and aspirations to try to win everything," the 34-year-old told reporters.

He admitted that it had been the team's desire to earn a place in the Champions League last season, and that after winning the Scudetto they had earned the right to play in Europe's most prestigious competition.

"It’s the right reward for a side who last season achieved something great.

"It is normal that the fans dream of success, just as much as it is normal for players and staff to remain grounded.

"[However] It’s a different environment with respect to last year, there’s more positivity and belief around the place now."

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Pirlo and Buffon miss Milan

Aug 18, 2012

Juventus have left behind Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon for tomorrow night’s Trofeo Berlusconi match with Milan.

The game is a traditional pre-season fixture between these two clubs at San Siro.

Pirlo was carrying a knock from the Italian Super Cup victory over Napoli last week and has not been risked for this test.

Buffon has also been left out of the squad so he can focus on continuing a separate training schedule.

Coach Antonio Conte should be in the stands with Massimo Carrera taking over again during the 10-month

ban.

Juventus squad: 2 Lucio, 5 Masi, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Leali, 15 Barzagli, 16 Ziegler, 18 Boakye, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 25 Rugani, 26 Lichtsteiner. 27 Quagliarella, 29 Pazienza, 30 Storari, 31 Branescu, 32 Matri, 39 Marrone.

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Buffon out of Juve-Parma

Aug 22, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon will miss Juventus-Parma on Saturday after he was diagnosed with a thigh problem.

The goalkeeper has been struggling with the muscular twinge over the last few weeks and also missed last weekend’s Trofeo Berlusconi against Milan.

He has now been diagnosed with the extension of a muscle in his right thigh, announced the official club website.

It is not thought to be a serious injury, but it is enough to rule him out of Saturday’s Serie A opener against Parma.

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Juventus to face Parma without injured Buffon

The Italy international has been ruled out of the titleholders' first game of the season

due to a muscular problem, and will be forced to watch the match from the stands.

Aug 23, 2012

Juventus coach Massimo Carrera has received some bad news on the injury front ahead of their Serie A opener at home against Parma on Saturday, as he will have to make do without first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

The Italy international picked up a muscle injury in training earlier this week, and Juve have now revealed that he will not be match fit in time for Saturday's encounter.

"Gigi Buffon has undergone MRI and ultrasound scans on his thigh after feeling some discomfort in Tuesday's training session," a statement on the Juventus website reads.

"The scans identified an elongation along the distal myotendinous junction of the femoral biceps in his right thigh.

"The light injury will cause the 34-year-old to sit out Saturday’s opening championship fixture against Parma."

Saturday's match is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

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Cech: Buffon & Casillas the best keepers in the world

The Czech Republic international has nothing but praise for the Juventus and Madrid stars,

while also having drawn inspiration from some former greats such as Oliver Kahn.

Aug 27, 2012

Chelsea shot-stopper Petr Cech has revealed his admiration for Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas, and feels the experienced duo remain the best goalkeepers in the world.

The Czech played a key role in his side's Champions League victory last season with some crucial saves in the final against Bayern Munich, and has now admitted that the Juventus and Real Madrid stalwaerts have inspired him.

"I definitely admire Buffon and Casillas," Cech was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website.

"They have kept a consistent level of performance for more than ten years at the top for club and country. That's why they are still among the best keepers in the world.

"Oliver Kahn, Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar inspired me early in my career. Each of them had something inspiring, because they were all different characters.

"Then Buffon appeared and changed everything.

"Later, Casillas was very interesting. He started to play for Real Madrid, historically one of the best teams in the world, at the age of 17 or 18. So I told myself: 'OK, if he can play for a big club so young, age is not an obstacle. There is no reason why I cannot make it too.'"

Cech has made over 250 Premier League appearances for Chelsea since joining the club from Stade Rennais in 2004.

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Buffon shows contract patience

Aug 27, 2012

Gigi Buffon is in no rush to sign a new contract at Juventus despite the fact that it expires in June 2013. “There won’t be any problems.”

The custodian, born in January 1978, now has less than a year left on his agreement but is confident that it won’t take long to agree new terms.

“I’m in no hurry and I don’t envisage any problems,” the 34-year-old stated. “I’ve always had an honest and straightforward relationship with the President.

“I’ve told the directors to think about their other priorities for now, then we’ll speak about it and find an agreement when the moment’s right.”

Buffon missed the opening game of the season against Parma, but he’s on the mend and eager to once again play in the Champions League.

“We speak about the Champions League in the dressing room because, after three years, we finally have the opportunity to figure on the European scene,” the new club captain noted.

“We’re aware that there are two or three teams that are stronger than us, but we can certainly hold our own against the others.”

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Buffon returns to action for Juventus' clash with Udinese

Veteran stopper returns from injury for trip to Stadio Friuli,

while Giorgio Chiellini and Sebastian Giovinco are also declared fit.

Sep 2, 2012

Juventus welcome recent injury victims Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini back into the side for Sunday's Serie A trip to Udinese.

Both players missed the opening weekend's win over Parma, but have been passed fit and take their place in a now familiar 3-5-2 formation. Sebastian Giovinco, who had been expected to miss the next two weeks with a sprained ankle, also features in the starting lineup alongside Mirko Vucinic.

New signing Nicklas Bendtner, brought in on loan from Arsenal, did not complete his registration in time to take part.

Udinese welcome newcomer Andrea Lazzari into the midfield, but there is no place for Brazilian Maicosuel, whose disastrous ‘Panenka’ penalty proved decisive in the Zebrette's Champions League play-off against Braga this week. Instead, Diego Fabbrini will support Antonio Di Natale in attack.

Udinese (3-5-1-1): Brkic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pereyra, Pinzi, Lazzari, Armero; Fabbrini; Di Natale

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic

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Buffon: "We will miss Conte"

Sep 4, 2012

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon sees suspended boss Antonio Conte as a caged lion now the season is underway.

The Bianconeri’s unbeaten league run from last season has continued after victories over Parma and Udinese but Conte has been forced to watch from the stands after his 10 month suspension.

“It’s not like Conte's suspension is helping the team, a coach like him influences in the same way in the changing room and from the bench during the game,” he told La Stampa. “He did a masterpiece last year with the victories and providing the winning mentality, but now I see him as a caged lion.”

Buffon, preparing for international duty with Italy, is now in his 12th season with the current champions and feels Juventus have the squad to challenge in the Champions League.

“To say Juve is alone against everyone would be wrong, and also a way to copy those who always complain to create an alibi. We are alone against everyone only in the sense that all our opponents want to beat us.

“We must be ready, it was our goal last season and now that we’ve reached it it’s important to be competitive. I think that Juve are on a par with everyone in Europe.”

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Buffon unveils Italy 'tension'

Sep 9, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon admits “someone talked a bit too much” on the field in Bulgaria after Italy’s tense and argumentative draw.

The Azzurri were often seen berating each other for mistakes during Friday’s 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw in Sofia.

“We always struggle a little in the first few qualifiers, then when you are tired it can happen to lose sharpness and become more tense,” Buffon told La Stampa.

“This is why someone talked a bit too much on the field.”

The pitch-side microphones picked up several conversations, including Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Pirlo discussing who was meant to charge down a shot and repeated instructions to Christian Maggio and Sebastian Giovinco on their positioning.

Meanwhile, Buffon is widely expected to sign a contract extension with Juventus over the next few days.

The goalkeeper should put pen to paper on a deal holding him in Turin until June 2016.

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Bulgaria point heavy, says Buffon

Sep 10, 2012

Italy captain Gigi Buffon has looked to silence the side’s critics following the 2-2 draw in Bulgaria on Friday.

The Azzurri opened their World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign with a point, but the performance was not one of the best.

“It’s right to accept criticism when the evidence is in the eyes of everybody,” the Juventus shot-stopper stated.

“However, I think that at the end of the 10 qualifying games for Brazil 2014, that point in Bulgaria will be worth a lot.

“Now we just have to concentrate on Malta to get over the last game and win it by playing a good brand of football.”

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is set to revert to a 4-3-1-2 system after starting Friday’s encounter with a Juventus-style 3-5-2.

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Buffon up for Champions League

Sep 12, 2012

Gigi Buffon has admitted that he’s excited by the prospect of once again playing in the Champions League.

The Old Lady have returned to the competition for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign when they failed to get out of a group containing Bordeaux, Bayern Munich and Maccabi Haifa.

“I’ll be happy to hear the Champions League theme tune again,” he stated. “I’ve had to listen to it from my sofa over these years and I didn’t think that was right.”

The Scudetto holders will start their European Cup adventure with a trip to holders Chelsea on September 19. They will also face Shakhtar Donetsk and Nordsjaelland in Group E.

Buffon, who lost the 2002-03 Champions League Final to Milan, also spoke about his future in Turin.

“That’s the last of my problems,” the man whose deal expires in June 2013 stated. “I’ve already said that I’m in no rush.”

Both Buffon and Juventus have admitted a desire to prolong their relationship.

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Buffon fired up for Champions League return

The Azzurri shot-stopper missed hearing the signature music during the Bianconeri's

recent absence from European football's elite competition.

Sep 13, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has described his frustration at hearing the Champions League anthem only "from the sofa" after missing out on playing in the tournament since 2009.

The Italy captain has been an envious onlooker of the competition as Juve instead played in the Europa League in 2010-11 and missed out on Europe altogether the season after.

"That piece of music? I'll be glad to hear it again," Buffon was quoted as saying in Corriere dello Sport.

"I’ve had to listen to it from my sofa over these years and I didn’t think that was right."

Juventus begin their campaign against last year's winners Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday, and will be hoping to get their campaign off to a winning start.

The new Serie A season has again been disrupted by allegations of corruption in Italy, with coach Antonio Conte implicated, but Buffon believes the Turin side can remain focused and stay competitive.

"We have to get back to that certain mentality, that ferocity, of last year," added the keeper.