Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8414]

Marotta and Buffon to extend

Sep 14, 2012

It’s renewal time at Juventus with director general Beppe Marotta and Gigi Buffon set for new contracts.

According to Tuttosport, the official will be handed an extension until June 2015 as reward for his work in Turin.

Marotta moved to the Old Lady in the summer of 2010 after leaving Sampdoria. Although not all of his signings have been a success, some of his buys were key to Scudetto success last season.

Once the 55-year-old puts pen to paper, the club’s attention will then switch to Italian international Buffon.

His present agreement expires in June, but he’s set to accept a cut to his €6m a year salary in order to remain in Turin.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Three or four teams could be dangerous this year

The veteran keeper accepts Juve are favourites for this year's Scudetto, but believes

a number of teams can challenge the Turin side, particularly with coach Antonio Conte banned.

Sep 14, 2012

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon believes that his side are favourites to lift this year's Serie A crown, but will not have an easy ride with teams like AC Milan, Inter, Roma and Napoli nipping at the Turin giants' heels.

The Bianconeri have been widely tipped to storm to a second consecutive Scudetto this year, with their rivals enduring turbulent summers, but the veteran goalkeeper believes his side will face stern competition, thanks in part to coach Antonio Conte's 10-month ban.

"There are three or four teams who might start behind us, but could be dangerous along the way," the Italy international told Sky Sport24.

"I'm talking about AC Milan, but also, Inter, Roma and Napoli, who don't have the Champions League, but have an experienced group of players.

"We are missing Conte and his absence is felt on the bench. He's a coach who gave us new belief and did a great job of turning the team around with his determination."

He also spoke about former team-mate Alessandro Del Piero's transfer to Sydney FC, as well as commenting on his own future.

"Del Piero made a choice with his life, and I am not only sure that he won't have any problems, and that he will still have a long career," he continued.

"My future? Soon I will talk with the club and I doubt there'll be any problems. I want to renew my contract, but the club are currently occupied with other matters.

"I think I won't play for any other Italian team, even if in football you can never say never."

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Juventus have missed playing Champions League football

The goalkeeper is eagerly anticipating the Bianconeri's return to the Champions League,

and believes their two-year absence could prove to be beneficial.

Sep 15, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon feels that Juventus' Champions League absence in the past two seasons has only made them more hungry to prove their worth at the top level.

The Turin giants missed out on qualification for European club football's elite competition in 2010-11 and 2011-12, and the veteran goalkeeper has admitted that they have missed being active at the highest level.

"My team-mates and I have missed playing in the competition, but the two-year exile has been good for us, because now we’ll fight right until the last bead of sweat in every game," Buffon stated to Sky Sport Italia.

"I’ve been forced to spend many Tuesdays and Wednesdays watching it from the sofa at home. I’ve got a decent TV and the picture is good, but being there on the pitch is another thing entirely."

Buffon then looked ahead to next week's opening game away against Chelsea, and feels the Premier League side pulled off a huge shock last season to win the competition.

"Chelsea? They pulled off a miracle last year, because there were teams better equipped than they were.

"However, Di Matteo has managed to make their play compact and solid, and these features enabled them to enjoy success."

Juventus will also have to deal with Shakhtar Donetsk and Nordsjaelland as well as The Blues in Group E of the Champions League.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: 'This is my Juventus'

Sep 15, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon gave his view on the Champions League, Scudetto race, facing his beloved Genoa, Antonio Conte’s ban and his future at Juventus.

The goalkeeper sat down for a lengthy interview with Sky Sport Italia and covered a series of topics.

“There are three or four teams who may have been behind us on paper, but I think they can emerge in the long run. I’m thinking of Milan, Inter, Roma and above all Napoli, who have a solid system and have been working together for a long time now.”

The Bianconeri won the Scudetto in Conte’s first season, but the Coach is fighting a 10-month ban in the betting scandal.

“Conte achieved a real miracle last term, because he gave us belief and determination. He turned the team inside out like a sock and the achievements gave us belief in ourselves. Obviously a Coach like Conte would be missed by any team and will be missed by us until he can get back on the bench.”

Thanks to that title, Juve are back in the Champions League and will make their debut on Wednesday against holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

“For so many Tuesday and Wednesday nights I was forced to watch this tournament from my couch,” smiled Buffon.

“I have a nice television, but being on the field is another matter... I missed it and so did my teammates, but these two years out were good for us, because now we’ll fight for every last drop of sweat in each game.

“Playing so many games in quick succession won’t leave us tired, as overcoming important obstacles has a way of doubling your energy levels.

“Last season Chelsea achieved a miracle by winning the Champions League, because there were stronger teams. Roberto Di Matteo gave them unity and solidity, which is what allowed them to win.”

Before that night in London, Juventus take to the field on Sunday against Genoa, the side Buffon supported in childhood.

“My uncle supported the Grifone and had the club symbol on his car. As a child I loved the colours and was fascinated by that mythical beast, so I started supporting them. We’ll be facing Marco Borriello, who was much loved in our locker room, and Ciro Immobile. They’ll be eager to make the most of this chance.”

With Alessandro Del Piero’s move to Sydney FC, Buffon inherited the captain’s armband and the role of club symbol.

“He wanted to experience this new adventure that will really enrich him. I am convinced he’ll still have a long career in which he can beat even more records.

“As I already said, I am not itching to leave. I am fortunate to be in an exciting environment in which I feel a protagonist and can show that on the field. It makes me happy, so I’ll have no problem accepting the contract renewal.

“I’m in no rush, as Juventus have had other things to think about and it’s only right my situation should be on the back burner. It would’ve been egotistical to want anything else.

“My future? I haven’t thought about that yet. Never say never, but I think that when I stop with Juve it’ll be the end of my playing career in Italy.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon close to signing four-year deal at Juventus

The 34-year-old is nearing an agreement that will prolong his 11-year association

with the club and end speculation of a move to Ligue 2 outfit Monaco.

Oct 5, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon is close to signing a contract extension which will see him remain with Juventus until 2016.

The goalkeeper remains the world’s most expensive shot-stopper following his €40.5 million move from Parma in the summer of 2001.

Negotiations neared a conclusion last week when club president Andrea Agnelli offered Buffon a €4.5m a year deal.

The Bianconeri faithful will be delighted with the news that one of the club’s star players has been tied down to a new contract; following speculation that Claudio Ranieri's Monaco were interested in making a move for the player.

Contact had been made between Giorgio Pellizzaro (Ranieri’s goalkeeping coach) and Buffon, in which he tried to tempt the Juventus number one with a move to the Stade Louis II.

But it is now understood that he will snub that interest and pen a new deal at Juventus Stadium, which will ensure he ends his career at the club.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Atmosphere in camp fine

Oct 9, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has denied that Daniele De Rossi's exclusion from the Roma starting XI on Sunday has caused a rift in the national team.

The Azzurri travel to Armenia on Friday for their third World Cup qualifier, and the Juventus goalkeeper has quashed rumours that the Giallorossi midfielder's rejection at the weekend has resulted in an uneasy tension in camp.

“The atmosphere is normal,” he told a Press conference today. “There is nothing complicated about it – it just so happened that on Sunday, the Coach decided to not play Daniele.

“You do not know the real reasons. But regardless, his value and contribution to our team go way above any problems he has [at Roma].

“We have him, we are all close and we are happy he is in our squad. Players bring their club worries to the national team all the time – that is commonplace. But the national team is immune from all this negativity.”

The 34-year-old shot-stopper also commented on Cesare Prandelli's ideas for Italy ahead of the 2014 World Cup, as well as remarking on Mario Balotelli, and Antonio Cassano being left out of the squad.

“We are trying to carry out a project with fresh faces,” he said. “Young players who are being given a chance on the biggest of stages.

“Hopefully these players will grow quickly on a technical level, because Brazil 2014 is not so far away.

“We all know Mario's value. We expect him to produce the quality he is capable of on the field, and help us win games. He has that ability.

“The exclusion of Cassano? I am not surprised. These are the choices the Coach has to make. I do not think, however, that the Coach has closed the door in his face.”

The former Parma man also spoke about the pride he feels representing the national side, and Juventus' prospects of retaining the Scudetto.

“You cannot say that the national team is a nuisance. It should always be a source of pride at any time of the season to play for your country.

“Juve are continuing the journey we started 18 months ago. The management has strengthened the side, and it is fair to say that we will challenge for the title until May.

“Napoli have a great Coach and are playing a type of football that means they are remaining at a competitive level. The fact that they are not playing in the Champions League will help them, I think.

“Lazio, also, are doing great things. They have a smart Coach who is in step with the times. Inter have also rejuvenated their team and are on the right track. They could be up there come the end of the season.”

Buffon concluded by praising Roma boss Zdenek Zeman, who has come under pressure for his side's inconsistent start to the season.

“He has proven to be a consistent Coach. He has his own ideas of how his team's should play, and has done extraordinary things with the sides he has been in charge of. There are always risks, and sometimes it doesn’t work. But other times, he exceeds all expectations.” :|

[Socrates 8414]

Juventus are clear title favourites, says Gianluigi Buffon

Oct 9, 2012

Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he will offer his compliments to Napoli if the southern club maintain their early season form and go on to win this season's scudetto.

But just over a week before their top-of-the-table clash, the Juve captain believes his side remain clear favourites for a second successive Serie A title.

"Juventus are strong," Buffon said on the fringes of an Italy training camp ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier in Armenia.

"If Napoli were to win the scudetto then they would have my compliments. But I think my side are the clear favourites."

Leaders Juventus and Napoli are the only two unbeaten teams in Serie A after seven games and with 19 points apiece hold a four-point lead on both Lazio and fourth-placed Inter.

The sides clash in Turin in a little over 10 days time, when Lazio also play host to Milan.

But despite the ongoing demands of the Champions League, Buffon believes Juventus will remain the title favourites irrespective of the result of their October 20 clash in Turin.

"This match won't be decisive, we're still at the start of the season," he added. "It's true that Napoli don't have the Champions League, as opposed to us, but we remain the title favourites."

Italian Cup holders Napoli last won the title in 1990, thanks in part to the 16 league goals scored by Argentine great Diego Maradona, and this season are flying thanks to the goalscoring talents of Uruguayan Edinson Cavani.

Juventus won their 28th scudetto in 2012, their first in nine years although they were stripped of the titles they won in 2005 and 2006 due to their role in the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Inter can challenge Juventus for Scudetto

The experienced shot stopper has voiced his opinion that the Giuseppe Meazza

side are title contenders, while not ruling out Napoli and Lazio either.

Oct 10, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes that Inter are on the right path and could challenge for the Scudetto this season.

The Nerazzurri have had a few poor results in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, but Buffon feels they could go far if they become more consistent under head coach Andrea Stramaccioni.

"Inter have opted for a younger approach and I believe that’s the right way of going about things. If they manage to gain consistency they could be a threat all the way," Buffon told reporters.

The goalkeeper also took the time to discuss Napoli and Lazio's title ambitions, and stressed that the two could be serious rivals.

"Napoli have a settled system and style of play, along with a first-rate squad.

"Lazio are also having an exceptional season so far. I don’t know their coach [Vladimir Petkovic], but he’s showing himself to be intelligent and capable of moving with the times, as well as speaking our language better than many Italians do."

Nevertheless, Buffon remains confident that Juventus can successfully defend their title this season.

"Our process of growth, which began a year and a half ago, is still continuing. By following a prudent strategy, the directors have strengthened the team during the summer transfer market, so there’s no doubt we’ll be able to fight for the title right until the end of the season."

Juventus currently sit joint first in the Serie A table with 19 points from seven games.

[Socrates 8414]

Italy 'trying to get Buffon ready'

Oct 14, 2012

Italy’s medical staff have reassured they are “trying to get Gigi Buffon ready” for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier with Denmark.

Reports emerged that the goalkeeper is in doubt for the crucial match at San Siro after picking up a muscular problem.

“There is no alarm around Buffon,” insisted Professor Enrico Castellacci.

“He has slightly strained the left adductor and, like all muscular problems, must be kept under observation.

“That does not mean we are not even trying to get him ready for the game with Denmark.

“It is not anything serious. We will see how Gigi progresses over the next few days, then we’ll make a decision with Cesare Prandelli. I repeat, there’s nothing to be alarmed about, as there are no lesions.”

Juventus and Azzurri goalkeeper Buffon did not take part in this morning’s training session, instead undergoing physiotherapy.

“I’m fine, we’ll see,” he told journalists.

If he doesn’t make it, then Napoli shot-stopper Morgan De Sanctis or PSG man Salvatore Sirigu will start against Denmark.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: 'I'll recover in 2-3 days'

Oct 14, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon says he “should recover in two to three days,” leaving him at risk for the Denmark game, and looks ahead to Juventus-Napoli.

The goalkeeper is in doubt for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier at San Siro and is undergoing treatment for a thigh injury.

“It is a minor strain like many others, so I am very relaxed,” assured Buffon. “I should recover in two to three days. I’ll have physiotherapy today.”

Naturally, he was also asked about Saturday’s Scudetto showdown, especially as if he doesn’t start against Denmark then Napoli’s Morgan De Sanctis should step in for Italy.

“Juventus-Napoli? For now I am focused on the Nazionale, then from Wednesday we will concentrate on Serie A.

“You journalists are the ones worried about that game. De Sanctis would replace me against Denmark if I didn’t make it, but there’s no need to make allusions or create controversy around that.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon misses Italy training

Oct 15, 2012

Juventus’ Gigi Buffon is still a doubt for Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Tuesday evening.

The goalkeeper is suffering with a minor thigh strain and he didn’t take part in training with the rest of the squad today.

Buffon admitted at that weekend that he would need 48-72 hours to fully recover from the muscle fatigue.

Napoli custodian Morgan De Sanctis is on stand-by to replace the Azzurri captain in tomorrow’s San Siro clash.

Italy possible XI: De Sanctis; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Balzaretti; De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio; Montolivo; Osvaldo, Balotelli

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon doubtful for Denmark clash

The veteran shot stopper could be forced to sit out Tuesday's qualification

match after he picked up a muscular problem that has stopped him training.

Oct 15, 2012

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will possibly have to make do without the services of Gianluigi Buffon in Tuesday's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Denmark as the Juventus goalkeeper is suffering from an adductor problem.

The 34-year-old featured for the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 win over Armenia on Friday, but has since picked up a muscle injury that kept him out of Sunday's training session.

"It is an injury that normally takes two or three days to shake off. I'll play against Denmark if I'm feeling well, and miss the game otherwise," Buffon was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"We will just have to wait and see whether the treatment works."

Buffon's place between the sticks is likely to be taken by Napoli shot stopper Morgan De Sanctis, who has made only five international appearances so far, if he doesn't recover in time.

Italy are currently top of the table in Group B with seven points from three games.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon out of Denmark tie

Oct 16, 2012

Napoli’s Morgan De Sanctis will start in goal for Italy tonight against Denmark after Gigi Buffon failed a fitness test.

The Juventus custodian has been struggling with a minor left thigh strain, but was eager to play at San Siro this evening.

Buffon underwent a number of exercises this morning, but Italian news agency ANSA claim that he didn’t prove his fitness.

The Azzurri captain will now hope to recover in time for Saturday’s Serie A showdown between Juventus and Napoli.

[Socrates 8414]

Juventus: No Buffon conspiracy

Oct 17, 2012

Juventus have defended goalkeeper Gigi Buffon from allegations that he pulled out of Italy’s game to save himself for Serie A.

The custodian missed last night’s 3-1 win over Denmark when he was replaced by Napoli’s Morgan De Sanctis – who the Old Lady will face on Saturday.

“Ours is a nation of conspiracy,” director general Beppe Marotta noted. “Everything needs to be taken back to sport.

“There is nothing to say on Buffon. He is the captain of Juventus and the captain of Italy. The allegations made are unfounded.

“Wearing the blue shirt of Italy is the highest aspiration for all players and Buffon is not the kind of guy to quit at the first problem.

“He didn’t play against Denmark because he thought he wasn’t ready to.”

The goalkeeper is struggling with a thigh problem. Marco Storari is on standby should he not recover in time for this weekend’s Scudetto showdown.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon set for new Juve deal

Oct 18, 2012

Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has given the green light for Gigi Buffon to be handed a new contract.

According to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the custodian will commit his future to the Bianconeri until the summer of 2016.

The 34-year-old, a doubt for this weekend’s game against Napoli because of injury, has less than a year left on his present agreement.

As part of the new terms, the Italian international will accept a cut in his salary from €6m a term to around €4.5m.

Buffon is now the captain at club level, as well as international level, following the departure of Alessandro Del Piero in the summer.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Chelsea game is crucial

Oct 25, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Juventus' home game against Chelsea will be decisive if they are to qualify from Champions League Group E.

The Turin giants host the reigning European champions on November 20, and the veteran shot-stopper has conceded that whoever wins that game will go through to the last 16 of the competition.

“I have always said that we would fight out for top spot in the group with Shakhtar Donetsk,” he told juventusmember.com. “The match against Chelsea will be decisive, qualification for the knockout stages will be between us and them.

“The Champions League is a tough competition, but it feels great to hear the anthem before every game.”

He also commented on his career at the Bianconeri, as well as his best and worst games for the club.

“I stayed with the team whilst we were in Serie B for the fans,” he said. “Those were difficult years, it was also tough when we returned to Serie A.

“The game that is always in heart is when we beat Milan in 2005, 1-0. David Trezeguet scored the goal.

“The worst game was the one against Lecce last year. I was terrible.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Chelsea clash will decide progress

Oct 25, 2012

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon says the Champions League fixture between the Serie A champions and Chelsea "will be decisive" as to which of the pair progress to the knockout stage.

The match, on November 20, is a home game for Juve and according to the goalkeeper,will see one side crash out of the competition.

Speaking to fans via JuventusMember.com, Buffon said: "I have always said that we would fight out for top spot in the group with Shakhtar Donetsk. The match against Chelsea will be decisive, qualification for the knockout stages will be between us and them."

"The Champions League is a tough competition but it feels great to hear the anthem before every game."

Buffon also said he was relishing his role as leader of the side following the departure of Alessandro Del Piero during the summer, but insisted that he prefers that the team be recognised for its efforts rather than any individual.

"Raising my first trophy as captain [the Supercoppa] in Beijing was nice but I really do not love to be the centre of attention in these situations. When we win, I feel such gratitude towards my companions as it is not right that the honour of raising a trophy is restricted to one. That's why in the photos of awards I am often behind and to the side!"

Now 34, the Italy international also answered questions on Juve's 2006 relegation, saying: "With this shirt I have spent 12 years, almost half my life, but I hope that this adventure can continue for a long time. Few people can say they were there for a long time with a team so important.

"I stayed with the team while we were in Serie B for the fans. Those were difficult years and it was also tough when we returned to Serie A."

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: I want to stay at Juventus for a long time

The experienced goalkeeper looks back fondly at his time in Turin, including

the spell in Serie B, and is eager to win more silverware in the upcoming seasons.

Oct 26, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has made it clear that he's desperate to stay at Juventus and wants to remain at the Serie A champions for at least three more years.

The Italy international has developed into one of the Bianconeri's undisputed star players since joining them from Parma in the summer of 2001, and Buffon has no intention of trying his luck elsewhere.

"I’ve already spent 12 years wearing this shirt, almost half of my life so far, but I hope that my adventure with Juventus continues for a long time, at least up until 15 years," Buffon was quoted as saying on the club's official Facebook page.

"Only a few players can say they’ve stayed at such an important team for that length of time."

The 34-year-old came close to winning the Champions League in 2002-03, but AC Milan eventually proved to be too strong in the final, something that still frustrates Buffon.

"I had a fantastic first five years here, given the satisfaction we enjoyed in the championship, even though there was a little disappointment in the Champions League.

"We were probably the strongest team in Europe, but we never managed to win it."

The experienced goalkeeper then looked back at his time in Serie B with Juventus, and stressed that it was well worth it to stay put.

"The year in Serie B is something I recall with pleasure, because I stayed and owed it to the fans to do so. It would have been too easy to leave at that particular moment.

"The most difficult period was the return to Serie A, because we were aware of how difficult it would be to return to winning ways. I asked myself if staying at Juve was worth it. After last year, the answer is an emphatic yes, because the feeling of winning the Scudetto again was so intense, and something I would not have experienced with any other team.

"Now I’d like to end my time with Juventus by winning something important."

Buffon has made 10 official appearances for Juve this term.

[Socrates 8414]

Prandelli praises Ballon d'Or three

Oct 29, 2012

Cesare Prandelli has responded to the news that three Italian national team players have been nominated for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Gianluigi Buffon, Mario Balotelli and Andrea Pirlo have been nominated in a 23-man list for the governing body's annual award, and the 55-year-old Coach has congratulated his squad members for recognition of their impressive 12 months.

“It is great news for the whole of Italian football,” he told reporters. “It is recognition that gives us great optimism for the future.

“It is brilliant to have three candidates for the Ballon d'Or.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Run had to end

Nov 5, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes that the club's 3-1 loss to Inter at the weekend will not damage their confidence.

The Nerazzurri defeated Antonio Conte's side to end their 49-match unbeaten run, but the 34-year-old shot-stopper is of the opinion that the Bianconeri can grow as a team because of the result.

“I do not think losing means we will have lost our confidence,” he told La Stampa. “We have been growing as a team for over a year, and sooner or later the run had to come to an end.

“The win will of course give Inter more self-belief, but I don't think it affects us too much. For the first quarter of the game we played well, looking for the second goal.

“But we sat back a bit too much and defended with fear. I don't like losing, but my discomfort towards the result is only mild.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: PSG need more than money

Nov 12, 2012

Gigi Buffon has told Paris Saint-Germain that it doesn’t matter how much money you have – the key thing is how you spend it.

The French club are one of the world’s strongest economical forces and spent around €100m in Italy this summer by signing Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marco Verratti.

However, the Juventus and Italy custodian has told Le Parisien that money can’t buy you tradition in this game.

“PSG are a lucky club, they have a lot of money,” he stated. “But, in football, the richest don’t always win.

“Some clubs have less money, but they spend it better and the history of a club also counts. Perhaps in 50 years they will talk about PSG more than Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus – but not now.”

PSG have a number of Italian internationals in their ranks, including former Pescara gem Verratti and ex-Palermo ‘keeper Salvatore Sirigu.

“Marco is today a first team starter in a big club, that is in the Champions League, which is what they promised him in Paris. In Italy, nobody had the courage to offer him the same,” Buffon noted.

“Sirigu? He’s a good kid, an explosive and reactive goalkeeper. Sirigu did well by going to France.

“It’s a very delicate role in Italy where you can do well for six months, make two errors and then be replaced. Salvatore cut the umbilical cord with Italy and that is a good thing for his development.”

Buffon is currently on international duty preparing for the game against France, a tie where he will come up against former Juventus boss Didier Deschamps.

“It’s not a surprise to see him as the French manager. He was already a Coach on the pitch. His footballing philosophy isn’t Italian, it is European seeing as he played in four countries. He put the best of those experiences in his suitcase.

“France? I like Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery to death, but they can do even better. For me, they have the qualities and the potential to reach the level of Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Italy v France is like a derby match

The Azzurri captain has shared his excitement about the upcoming fixture

and claims there is a special buzz surrounding the two nations whenever they meet.

Nov 12, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has likened Italy's clash with France to a derby.

The Azzurri captain is looking forward to the game and despite les Blues not having the best of success in recent years, the 34-year-old is expecting a tough examination from Didier Deschamps' side.

"France remain a strong nation in European football, one that is always capable of playing at a high level," he told Le Parisien.

"Playing against France is like playing a derby, there is a special taste that the fixture brings."

Buffon also spoke about the impact of money on football, and claimed that no matter how much Paris Saint-Germain spend on transfer fees, they cannot buy the history and tradition of Europe's biggest clubs.

“Paris Saint-Germain are a lucky club, they have a lot of money,” he stated.

“However, in football, the richest do not always win. Some clubs have less money, but they spend it better than those who have more, and the history of a club also counts a lot towards their status.

"Perhaps in 50 years they will talk about PSG more than Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus, but not at the moment.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon on verge of extending

Nov 14, 2012

Gigi Buffon will sign a new contract with Juventus by the end of next week, reports Tuttosport on Wednesday.

The Italian international is only tied to the Turin giants until June 2013, but talks regarding a renewal are almost complete.

Buffon will apparently put pen to paper on a deal until June 2016 after the Chelsea tie. He will also reduce his salary from around €5.5m a year to €3.5m.

However, there are some lucrative bonus terms which could see the former Parma custodian handsomely rewarded.

A Scudetto win would see him net an extra €500,000, while a Scudetto and Champions League double would deliver €1.5m.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: I will remain at Juventus for three more years

The Italy international has made it clear that he will sign a contract

extension in the not too distant future as he is happy to stay at the Bianconeri.

Nov 19, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he will remain at Juventus for three more seasons as he has no intention of leaving the Serie A champions any time soon.

The experienced goalkeeper's current contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but Buffon has stated that it is only a matter of time before he will sign an extension until 2016.

"Is there a problem with my renewal? No, not at all," Buffon told Tuttosport.

"It's only a matter of priorities. It's about the needs of the team, the club and obviously my own desire.

"Our main priority for now is to end this series of big games on a positive note. We can think about signing my renewal after that.

"Will there be any surprises? No. I will remain at Juventus for three more years."

Buffon came close to winning the Champions League in 2002-03 when Juventus were beaten by AC Milan in the final, and he's determined to win the competition before ending his active career.

"The Champions League is something I want to win before ending my career. I cannot deny it. I would be sad to retire without winning it.

"I will not hang around just to steer the boat into the port. I have always been a speedboat and will go full throttle as long as I can."

Buffon joined Juventus from Parma in the summer of 2001, and has since made over 400 official appearances for the club.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon staying to win Champions League

Nov 19, 2012

Gigi Buffon says he will remain at Juventus for three more seasons in order to fulfil his Champions League dream.

The goalkeeper is only contracted to the Old Lady until next June, but he insists that he will extend his agreement in Turin.

“The delay in putting pen to paper is down to priorities,” the 34-year-old told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Those of the team and mine.

“Let’s get these important games out of the way first and then we’ll think about the signature. There will be no surprises, I’ll stay for another three years.

“I think I’ll still be able to make the difference over that period of time.”

Buffon joined Juventus in 2001 and has won a host of honours with the Old Lady, but there is a trophy missing.

“The Champions League is something that I want before I retire,” added the Italian international. “It would be a shame to end my career having just missed out on it.”

Buffon was a losing finalist in the 2003 edition which Milan won, he’s now hoping his club can collect four points from their last two games to reach this season’s last 16 – starting with Chelsea on Tuesday.