Gianluigi Buffon

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Buffon: Juventus a match for any team in Europe

The veteran goalkeeper is brimming with confidence following

the Bianconeri's good performances in the Champions League so far.

Feb 14, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon believes that Juventus have the quality to compete with any team in Europe providing they show the right attitude.

The Serie A champions have impressed in the Champions League this term with wins over Chelsea, Nordsjaelland and Shakhtar Donetsk in the group stages, before hammering Celtic 3-0 in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie, and Buffon is confident they can go far in the competition.

"We have reached the point where we realise that we are a match for any team as long as we enter the pitch with the right approach," Buffon told Corriere dello Sport.

"We should never neglect the fundamental characteristics of our game. We had a great evening against Celtic, but we cannot afford to slack off.

"The wins over Shakhtar, Chelsea and Celtic are proof that we can aim higher than in previous years. We will have to keep this up and make sure the other teams in Europe look at us differently than before."

Juventus will defend their 3-0 lead against Celtic on March 6 in Turin.

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Zoff: Buffon is Juventus' best-ever goalkeeper

The legendary shot-stopper believes that the 35-year-old Bianconeri skipper has surpassed

the likes of Giampiero Combi after spending the last 12 years in Turin.

Feb 20, 2013

Legendary Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff has believes that Gianluigi Buffon is the greatest Juventus shot-stopper of all time.

The 35-year-old moved to the Turin club in 2001, and has been a mainstay in the Bianconeri first team ever since, taking on the club's captaincy along the way.

“The number one of all Juventus’ history is Buffon,” Zoff told Tuttosport.

“Giampiero Combi was a great goalkeeper in his day, but currently, Buffon is at the top, and the most important thing is to maintain his performance.

“Zoff? Well he is among the top.”

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Buffon expects ‘real’ Juve in Naples

Feb 25, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Juventus will face Napoli in Serie A on Friday with their usual game plan.

The Bianconeri currently have a seven-point lead over the second-placed Azzurri who will face Udinese later today.

But Buffon insists that the points difference between the two clubs will not have any effect on the way they will prepare for the tie.

“We’ll go and play Napoli without making any calculations,” the custodian noted. “That’s also because when we try to do that, things don’t add up.

“We need to approach the Napoli tie in the way we always face matches, without straying from our usual game.”

Buffon again underlined his worth to the Old Lady on Sunday during their 3-0 victory over struggling Siena.

“We played a good game against a side in good form,” he added. “We knew they would cause us difficulties and that’s how it went, but we tackled them in an intelligent manner.

“I work with passion and the desire to show that I’m still an important goalkeeper, and when I say this I don’t mean being the fifth or sixth best in the world.

“I’ve still got the will to amaze and this enables me to focus and face training and games in the right way.

“When I realise that I’m approaching a game with little concentration then I think back to the error against Sampdoria and I re-find the right mentality.”

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Buffon: 'Conte makes Juve believe'

Mar 1, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon praised Coach Antonio Conte, is prepared for Napoli this evening and confirms he wants “to lift the Champions League trophy for Juventus.”

The goalkeeper sat down with friend and former teammate Hasan Salihamidzic for Sky Sport Italia ahead of tonight’s 19.45 GMT kick-off at the San Paolo.

“Conte is able to transmit so much on an emotional level to the players. He has an incredible work ethic that he also drummed into the heads of the squad,” said Buffon.

“The great thing is that the moment he speaks, it feels as if the concepts he’s discussing have never been said before and they are so strong that you are transported to believe in what you’re doing. It’s difficult to find another Coach better than him.”

The goalkeeper was asked what Juve’s objectives were for this season after winning the Scudetto and Italian Super Cup.

“I hope that we can repeat the Serie A victory, as it would be a huge achievement for a team that was in seventh place only 18 months ago. We know that we are strong, but also have that relaxed state of mind that comes from knowing we are not the strongest in Europe.

“The Champions League is something I would love to win, because it would be the right way to crown my career. I could go to win it elsewhere, but to lift the Champions League trophy for Juventus is something else.

“I have spent so many wonderful moments here as well as desperate disappointment. Living together for 15 years and achieving something like that would be priceless.”

Buffon also stood by the Bianconeri even after their demotion to Serie B in 2006.

“I have always been irritated when players say at the end of their careers that they turned down offers, even ones that weren’t true. In any case, I never had any.

“The rapport I have with the club can be called a great sentiment, which is not love – because that can come to an end – but respect.

“I want to play up until I am first choice for the Nazionale and as long as I have the motivation and energy to say to myself ‘today I could make the difference.’

“The moment I struggle to concentrate or don’t feel motivated anymore, I will have no problem in hanging up my gloves, because I must respect myself and my career.”

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Buffon on facing Brazil test

Mar 18, 2013

This week’s friendly against Brazil will provide answers to certain questions about the strength of Italy, says Gigi Buffon.

The Azzurri will take on the World Cup hosts in Geneva and the Juventus idol has underlined how significant the tie will be.

“We’ve faced Brazil on a few occasions in the last few years and we’ve done pretty poorly against them,” the captain stated.

“Thursday’s match will be important, it will give us some important answers about the future, about our convictions.

“These are the kind of games that will help you to mature, no matter whether you do well or badly in them.”

The Azzurri haven’t beaten Brazil since Paolo Rossi scored a sensational hat-trick against them in the 1982 World Cup.

In the five meetings since then, there have been three Brazil wins and two draws.

Buffon has played in the last two meetings between the two giants, losing 2-0 and 3-0 during ties in 2009.

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Totti may still have Italy future, hints Buffon

The Juventus goalkeeper has added his weight behind growing support

for the Roma forward to be recalled to the international fold.

Mar 19, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon believes Francesco Totti could still have an international future with Italy.

The Roma forward, who has 58 caps to his name, retired from Azzurri duty after their World Cup triumph in 2006, but boss Cesare Prandelli admitted on Monday that the door would be open for him to return.

And his former team-mate, Buffon, has issued a glowing appraisal of the 36-year-old and says he is still more than capable of playing for Italy once again.

"You cannot rule anything out with a player who can win matches by himself. He continues to write history in Italian football and not only has a past. He may still have a future as he is showing," he said at a press conference.

"When he made the decision to leave the Azzurri in 2006, Francesco thought long and hard. After winning the World Cup, which is the most beautiful thing in football, he preferred to devote himself to Roma and his health as he was nursing a long-term injury.

"I am still a little sorry that he left us, seven years on [since his retirement from international football]. What would I say if I wanted him to return to the national team? They are intimate things, he knows what I'd say.

"The dressing room, in regards to the decisions of a coach, does not have any power. They are the specific responsibilities of those who lead the team.

"When I talk about a man like Francesco, I still speak of him as if he were one of us. With some of us, myself included, we were with Totti in the Italy set-up from the age of 15, so he will always be one of my fellow national-teamers."

Buffon then reflected on the call-ups handed to new boys Mattia De Sciglio and Alessio Cerci for Thursday's friendly clash with Brazil, the goalscoring form of Mario Balotelli since his move to AC Milan and the large Rossoneri and Juventus presence in the squad.

"It's too early to make judgments on the new faces, but there is hope for the future. That was a problem which we paid for in the past, but it seems to have been resolved now," the Juventus No.1 added.

"We all hope that he reaches his full potential, but that does not mean that he has to stifle his own nature. He has always been quiet on Italy duty. The only thing that was missing from his game was consistency.

"Now he is finding that and I hope that his move to Milan gives the national team the joys that we expect from him.

"Milan have always relied on an Italian nucleus, and even their attempts to refresh the squad are Italian-based.

"It seems logical to me that these two teams [Milan and Juventus] give the most players to the national team."

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Buffon on Totti, Balotelli and Brazil

Mar 19, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that he would back the idea of Roma captain Francesco Totti receiving a re-call to the Italian national team.

Coach Cesare Prandelli revealed earlier this week that he would consider calling up the veteran forward in the future.

And the Juventus goalkeeper has conceded that the Giallorossi legend can still cut it in the international arena.

“Some of us have shared this adventure with Totti from Under-15 level,” he told a Press conference. “So for me he will always be a companion in the national team.

“If he continues to play at the level he is showing this season, then I think the Coach is right to say what he did.

“It is logical to consider someone who is re-writing the history of Italian football.

“After the World Cup in 2006, he preferred to devote more time to Roma, and perhaps that was the right thing to do to give his career longevity.

“Have I asked him to come back? These are personal conversations. When we meet we speak about a lot of things. He knows what I think.”

The 35-year-old also commented on Thursday's match with Brazil, some of the young players in the Azzurri squad and the form of Mario Balotelli.

“We will play this friendly and it will be a good test for us,” Buffon added. “Over the next three months we will prepare for the Confederations cup – and it's a competition that we want to win.

“It is perhaps a bit too early to get a proper impression of the new players – we have only been together for a few days.

“But the fact that there are so many new players certainly bodes well for the future. This next generation looks like an important one.

“I think we all want to see Mario finally come good. I've always seen him as a quiet person around the group.

“Before he wasn't playing with continuity, but now he's at Milan that seems to have changed.

“I hope that with the national team he can give us joy – and with Milan perhaps a little less!”

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Buffon: Bayern won't be happy to face Juventus

The Italy international has little doubt that FCB realise they face

a tough task in eliminating the Serie A champions from Europe.

Mar 20, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes Bayern Munich will not be pleased to have been paired with the Serie A champions in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The experienced shot-stopper admits Bayern have a better record than Juve in European club football's elite competition, but has stressed the Bianconeri are a force to be reckoned with, too.

"We should approach the Champions League in the same way we’ve done up until now, hoping to gain the plaudits for a pro-active style of play, whilst also looking to gain the respect of our opponents. By and large we’ve achieved this objective," Buffon was quoted as saying on the official Juve website.

"In the quarter-finals it's only right for us to encounter a team with a worldwide reputation like Bayern. I don’t think they’ll be happy to face us, meaning we’re respected and possess a certain fear factor.

"It will be tough to try and win it. There are three or four teams, including Bayern, who have a better Champions League record than ours in recent years.

"But the good thing is that everyone starts off on a level playing field. A slice of luck or detail could be the difference between winning or losing, but it’s important to know that you’re able to play the game."

The first leg of the tie between Juve and Bayern takes place at the Allianz Arena on April 2.

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Who's the greatest? Buffon v Zoff

The Juventus goalkeeper is measured up against the World Cup-winning captain

in the second part of our series comparing current stars with their nation's legendary figures.

Mar 20, 2013

ANALYSIS

By Mark Doyle

On November 15, 2011, Gianluigi Buffon equalled Dino Zoff's tally of 112 caps for Italy in a friendly against Uruguay. “I have always tried to be like Zoff,” Buffon admitted before the game in Rome. “He was a real maestro and the reference point for all the goalkeepers that followed him.” The question now is whether Buffon, who will make his 125th appearance for his country against Brazil on Thursday evening, has since surpassed his idol not only in terms of caps, but also eminence. Is it Buffon who is now the reference point when it comes to discussing Italian goalkeeping greats?

Comparing players from different eras is obviously an exercise in subjectivity. However, what is also beyond dispute is that Buffon now warrants comparison with a man who in 2003 was voted Italy's best player of the preceding half century. Zoff acknowledges that himself. "I give my compliments to Buffon," he told GQ magazine ahead of the current Azzurri captain's aforementioned appearance against Uruguay in Novermber 2011. "Now he can be considered my heir. I believe that we have been two great goalkeepers." That much is most definitely true.

Zoff led the Nazionale to World Cup glory in Spain in 1982 at the age of 40, making him the oldest player to have ever lifted the game's grandest prize, while Buffon played an integral role in his country's surprise success in Germany seven years ago. The parallels extend into their club careers, too. Both men have a Uefa Cup triumph to their names, while Buffon will almost certainly equal Zoff's haul of six Serie A titles later this season. When it comes to silverware, there really is nothing to choose between the two.

On the face of it, though, Buffon is the more impressive physical specimen. The offspring of a discus-throwing mother and a weightlifting father, the Carrara native represents an imposing presence in between the posts. However, it is Buffon's body that, ironically, may also prove his undoing in his quest to establish himself as Italy's greatest goalkeeper. The Bianconeri No.1 has been blighted by back problems and while he recently penned a new three-year contract with the Italian champions, doubts remain over whether he can really hope to match Zoff in terms of longevity, given his idol played at the highest level for a staggering 22 years.

Indeed, when it comes to reliability, there really is only one winner. Zoff didn't miss a game for Juventus for 11 years, making a total of 330 consecutive appearances during that remarkable period, and the former Azzurri boss has previously suggested he feels that durability is key when it comes to debating Italy's all-time No.1.

"Gigi was stronger than me in his youth," Zoff mused. "But then, perhaps it has been the other way around thereafter, because I made some notable improvements from my younger days going forward, not forgetting that I played for the national side until I was 41."

I give my compliments to Gigi. Now he can be considered my heir. I believe that we have been two great goalkeepers for Italy. - Zoff on Buffon in 2011

There is also a commonly held view that, despite his undeniable brilliance, Buffon is more accident prone, as evidenced by his miscue against Lecce last season. However, there is a mitigating factor there in that he is operating in an era in which goalkeepers have to be far more adept with the ball at their feet on account of the abolition of the back-pass rule. In addition, it should also be acknowledged that Buffon has not benefited from the same level of protection that Zoff was afforded, particularly at club level. The latter was stationed behind some of the finest defenders ever to have played the game, during what was a golden age for Italian football.

Context, therefore, is key. Yes, Zoff managed to go 1143 minutes without conceding an international goal between 1972 and 1974 - a record which still stands today - but Buffon's goal went unbreached for 453 minutes during the 2006 World Cup. The former Parma shot-stopper kept five clean sheets during that tournament in total, beaten just twice, by a Cristian Zaccardo own goal and Zinedine Zidane penalty.

Gigi was stronger than me in his youth, but then, perhaps it has been the other way around thereafter because I made some notable improvements from my younger days. - Zoff

When it comes to leadership, Zoff comes up trumps in that he is a World Cup-winning captain. But again, Buffon leading a side without as many world-class performers to the final of Euro 2012 is perhaps just as notable an achievement. Zoff was clearly a fine skipper. An incredibly self-critical perfectionist, he was the consummate professional; one of those who preferred to lead by example: "I have always preferred deeds to words," he explains.

Buffon, by contrast, is never one to bite his tongue - either in or out of the dressing room. He is regarded as a fine motivational speaker by team-mates and supporters alike (witness his stirring rallying cry on Facebook ahead of the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany last summer), while he has never been afraid to lock horns with the media. Whereas Zoff was exemplary, Buffon is inspirational.

Choosing between the two, therefore, really is a matter of taste. However, even those firmly in the Zoff camp would concede that Buffon has the talent, the desire and, fitness permitting, the time to end this debate once and for all. Indeed, as Zoff himself conceded when pressed on whether he will be usurped as Italy's finest No.1: "Time will tell ... When he is doing well physically, Gigi has no rivals."

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'Balotelli has the right attitude for Italy' - Buffon

The veteran goalkeeper has hailed the AC Milan star's positive attitude

and feels he proved himself worthy of the Italy jersey.

Mar 22, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has nothing but praise for Italy team-mate Mario Balotelli's performance in Thursday's 2-2 friendly draw against Brazil.

The Azzurri fell two goals behind before the break, but a second-half strike from the 22-year-old helped them to a share of the spoils, and the goalkeeper was impressed with the his positive attitude as well as his fine goal.

"Balotelli was superb. I would also have said that if he hadn't scored the equaliser," Buffon told reporters.

"The way he sacrificed himself for the team and worked very hard was a great thing to see.

"For me, Balotelli has shown that he deserves the respect of his team-mates with this performance. He showed that he has the attitude needed for the national team."

Italy will now start their preparations for the World Cup qualifier away against Malta on Tuesday.

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Buffon: 'Racism is a disease'

Mar 24, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon agrees with Kevin-Prince Boateng that “racism in football is like malaria and must be wiped out, but it’s different from general mickey-taking.”

This week Milan midfielder Boateng gave a speech to the UN on the problem of racist abuse in the sport.

“Boateng is right, racism in football is like malaria and must be wiped out,” Buffon told Rai Sport.

“It is a delicate issue. It’s right to stigmatise certain incidents and there are some truly very seriously offensive insults. It’s different from general mickey-taking.”

Buffon was asked about his private life and what he’s like at home with his slippers on.

“It’s not something you see often! I have too many professional commitments for that. I am a perfectly normal person, though. I stay home with my family, change nappies and read fairy tales to my kids.

“My wife is a great cook, so she focuses on that area. When I lived alone in Parma I’d do my own cooking and my speciality was pasta with tuna.

“Am I jealous? No. I like respect and trust, as if there is love then these ingredients are crucial. I have many hobbies and passions, as I’d really like to learn English.”

Buffon was also impressed by Pope Francis I, the new pontiff.

“He has a wonderful face and a wonderful soul too. He has the face I dreamed a Pope should have.”

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Buffon cools talk of Champions League glory

The 35-year-old goalkeeper is hesitant to discuss how far Juventus can progress

in this year's tournament with the challenge of Bayern Munich looming.

Mar 24, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has played down talk of Juventus going all the way in this year's Champions League.

The Bianconeri have enjoyed a successful return to Europe's elite competition so far, having emerged as group winners before coasting into the quarter-final with a 5-0 aggregate victory over Celtic.

However, two meetings with German giants Bayern Munich in the next round mean Antonio Conte's side will face a rigorous test of their Champions League credentials and, speaking to Canal +, Buffon erred on the side of caution in discussing Juventus' aspirations.

"It would be a bit too optimistic, presumptuous, to say that Juventus can win the Champions League," he said.

The 35-year-old has spent 12 years with the club, but says he will continue playing amid rumours of retirement as a decision to prematurely hang up his gloves would betray the "gifts" he was given.

"I will keep on playing as far as I am stimulated to continue. Nature gave me something important, and I must respect these gifts," he added. "It would not make sense to finish my career as a normal goalkeeper, I've never been and I will never be one."

The veteran also offered his sentiments on the emergence of potential future Juve stars, including Paul Pogba, and tipped the Frenchman to enjoy a successful career.

"Pogba is a great player, we have noticed this early at the first trainings. He has the right state of mind to become a famous player, he has great qualities."

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Prandelli applauds captain's performance from Buffon

The Azzurri coach was full of praise for the Juventus shot-stopper

who marked his landmark 126th cap with a penalty save.

Mar 26, 2013

Cesare Prandelli singled out Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon for praise after the Azzurri's 2-0 2014 World Cup qualifying victory away at Malta but conceded that he was not too impressed with the side's performance.

A first-half double from Mario Balotelli ensured Italy secured all three points but they were thankful to Buffon, who marked his 126th Azzurri cap in style. The Juventus shot-stopper kept a clean sheet and prevented the hosts from equalising in the 16th minute when he saved expertly from Michael Mifsud's spotkick.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Prandelli said: "Buffon marked this landmark like a captain with a great save at the crucial moment."

After an impressive fightback against Brazil last Thursday, Prandelli had hoped for another convincing display but witnessed a rather lacklustre performance from his side.

"We take away an excellent performance against Brazil and these three points. When there are no spaces and a team is very organised, we must learn to be quicker in our build-up.

“We knew there would not be spaces and were perhaps a little too slow in construction, so ran into trouble. We still maintained possession throughout the game. We lacked a bit of intensity in the finishing.

“We were too distant between defenders and midfielders, so the passes got misplaced. It may seem absurd, but the wind affected the long passes too.

“We did some things well, others not so well. We must learn from this that against clammed-up teams we have to pass the ball short and quick.”

Riccardo Montolivo was also keen to pay tribute to the performance of his Milan team-mate Balotelli who has now scored 10 goals in nine games for club and country in 2013.

"Malta were clammed up and it was tough to find spaces. Luckily we had that superstar in attack and he sorted it out for us.

“I think Mario has become fully aware of his abilities and has learned not to fall into the trap of provocation. He has had a remarkable impact on Milan too and I hope he won’t stop.

“Balotelli is a centre-forward and is therefore the leading point of the attack. We can even give him the ball badly, as he is so physically strong that he can hold off defenders and find space. Right now, he is a complete player."

Montolivo concluded by praising Serie A clubs Milan and Juventus, who between them, made up the complete starting 11 for the Azzurri - the first time the national side has comprised of players from solely two clubs since 1947.

“It means these two teams focus on home-grown talent, so that is a good sign for Serie A and the Nazionale."

Bulgaria's 1-1 draw with Denmark ensured that Italy moved three points clear at the top of group B. Cesare Prandelli's side return to qualifying action away against Czech Republic on June 7.

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Buffon unhappy with Italy performance

The Azzurri did enough to bag the full three points against Malta,

but their captain was not impressed with their display.

Mar 27, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has expressed his disappointment with Italy's performance in Tuesday's 2-0 World Cup qualification win over Malta.

Two goals from Mario Balotelli helped the Euro 2012 finalists to the full three points as Buffon kept out a Michael Mifsud penalty, but the Juventus goalkeeper feels the Italians allowed their opponents too much space throughout the match.

"There were some difficult playing conditions, as it was very windy and the pitch was extremely wet. Plus if there isn't 100 per cent focus and concentration, then you are going to run into trouble," Buffon was quoted as saying on the Fifa website.

"I wasn't the only one who got angry, as we all did. These situations happen when there are games that aren't high profile. It is a characteristic we have had for years, as we always seem to leave it open for ourselves, our fans and our opponents.

"The penalty was an incident, but added to the other five or six chances it showed it was not a walk in the park. Those no longer exist in football, especially away from home."

Italy top Group B with 13 points from five games, holding a three-point lead over second-placed Bulgaria.

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Buffon’s message to friend Totti

Mar 27, 2013

Juventus captain Gigi Buffon has sent a message to Francesco Totti on the 20th anniversary of the Roma icon’s Serie A debut.

“Dear Francesco, you have made ​ Italian football history,” the custodian said in a statement to news agency ANSA.

“Twenty years in Serie A, what an achievement… I still have the image of your first goal in my mind, it was a Roma-Foggia tie.

“We’re friends, you know how much I care about you. We started together with the Under-15 side, we had some splendid years together in the national team and we continue to meet as opponents in Serie A.

“You often score against me (10 times to be precise, that’s how many goals you have netted) like a champion who has forgotten our friendship…

“Then, at the final whistle, there are smiles between us again, like when I saved a penalty that I feared you would chip – it saddened me that was you.

“We are from a fortunate generation. It’s true that every season after the age of 30 is worth seven, but you seem to go back in time instead of ageing.

“You’ve written the history of Italian football, with the present and the future – you are a player who can not be doubted.

“And, for me, you’ll always be an Azzurro. An embrace from your friend, Gigi.”

Totti, now 36, made his Italian top-flight debut on 28 March 1993 at Brescia. Boss Vujadin Boskov threw him on as a substitute for Ruggiero Rizzitelli.

Totti, Serie A’s second highest goalscorer of all-time, and Buffon won the World Cup together for Italy at Germany 2006.

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Totti goes down in history as Italy great - Buffon

The Azzurri captain has written to his compatriot to congratulate

the Giallorossi star on completing two decades of Italian top-flight football.

Mar 27, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has penned a personal note to friend and former Italy colleague Francesco Totti to recognise the 20th anniversary of his first Serie A appearance.

The creative attacker, known for his flair as well as a prolific goals tally, has spent his whole career at Roma, his hometown club.

Buffon's career has dovetailed with that of Totti's and the former Parma goalkeeper showed his respect for the marksman.

"Dear Francesco, you have made history in Italian football," began the letter published by ANSA.

“Twenty years in Serie A, what an achievement … I still have the image of your first goal in my mind, it was a Roma-Foggia tie.

“We’re friends, you know how much I care about you. We started together with the Under-15 side, we had some splendid years together in the national team and we continue to meet as opponents in Serie A.

“You often score against me (10 times to be precise, that’s how many goals you have netted) like a champion who has forgotten our friendship …

“Then, at the final whistle, there are smiles between us again, like when I saved a penalty that I feared you would chip – it saddened me that was you.

"You not only wrote football history, you are writing its present and its near future."

The pair won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and Totti retired from international football a year later.

The 36-year-old is Roma's record goalscorer and the second most lethal in Italian football history.

"The two of us are lucky," added 35-year-old Buffon.

"Once you get past 30, every season is worth seven."

Totti made his Serie A debut back in 1993 as a substitute against Brescia.

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‘Buffon still superior to Handanovic’

Mar 28, 2013

Juventus’ Gigi Buffon remains a better goalkeeper than Inter rival Samir Handanovic, says Stefano Tacconi.

Handanovic has had a splendid campaign with the Nerazzurri following his summer move from Udinese, but the former Juve and Italy custodian insists he’s not the true No 1.

“Buffon is still better,” Tacconi told TMW. “I’m certain of that fact, even if Handanovic is doing really well.

“The difference between the two is down to the experience with which they play the game. There is no comparison in that area.

“Technically speaking they are different types of goalkeepers.”

The two men will come face-to-face on Saturday afternoon when Inter entertain the Old Lady in Serie A.

“I hope it goes well for Juventus,” Tacconi continued. “But Inter are looking to save a peculiar season. We’ll see which side has the character to take home the points.”

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Buffon a pensioner? Beckenbauer should show respect

to one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time

The Juventus captain deserved better than to be put down in such a public fashion but

his response to the insult has merely underlined that he is a class act on and off the field.

Apr 6, 2013

COMMENT

By Mark Doyle

Two ill-advised outbursts of differing degrees of severity made headlines this week. The first came from a wearily predictable source: Joey Barton, who was ultimately forced to apologise by his club for another attack on a fellow professional, with the one saving grace being that at least this time the assault was of the verbal variety.

However, if Barton’s characteristically crass and witless comments were entirely unsurprising, Franz Beckenbauer’s distinctly invidious appraisal of Gianluigi Buffon’s performance against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night was anything but.

The 35-year-old Juventus goalkeeper had been at fault for both of the goals his side had conceded in their comprehensive 2-0 defeat in Bavaria, failing to change direction in time to keep out a deflected long-range drive from David Alaba before then spilling an equally slow-moving strike from Luiz Gustavo, thus leaving a disbelieving Mario Mandzukic with the rather straightforward task of teeing Thomas Muller up for a tap-in.

The nature of the errors were shocking; Beckenbauer’s reaction even more so.

"Buffon looked like a pensioner," the Bavarians' honorary president told Germany’s Sky Sport. "He should have saved that shot [from Alaba]. Maybe, he was not expecting him to strike it from there: Alaba shot from 120 metres!"

Buffon looked like a pensioner. He should have saved that shot. Maybe he did not expect Alaba to hit it from there: he shot from 120 metres! - Franz Beckenbauer

That Buffon appeared to be moving in slow motion as he attempted to scramble back across his goal to keep out Alaba’s bouncing drive was beyond dispute. However, a goalkeeper considered by some as the greatest of all time deserved better than to be the subject of such snide remarks. It was only right, then, that there was a swift show of support for a man who has so often leapt to the defence of others.

"Certain comments made by an icon like Beckenbauer were hurtful," Juventus director general Beppe Marotta stated. "They concerned another icon called Buffon, to whom great recognition comes from not only Juventus fans, but I believe all supporters of the national team, to whom he has given great satisfaction with his performances.

“Furthermore, he is a special man, a great professional full of humanity who is used as an example to follow by all of our young people and, as such, should be respected."

Millons across Italy agreed. However, that did not dissuade TV show ‘Striscia la Notizia’ from presenting Buffon with a blanket, a dressing gown and a pair of slippers upon his return to Turin.

Buffon is a special man, a great professional full of humanity ... and, as such should be respected. - Beppe Marotta

Buffon’s reaction to such public ridicule spoke volumes about his character, the World Cup winner exuding a class and humility that were so conspicuous by their absence from Beckenbauer’s comments.

“Making mistakes happens a lot in this type of profession,” the Italy captain mused. “But I'm sorry because I compromised the game. I'm sorry for myself, for my team, for my people.

“I cannot take exception with anything said by the wise old man Beckenbauer. As the old adage goes: 'When you are the hammer, you hit; when you are the anvil, you stay put.' ... You just have to keep quiet and wait for the next game."

That Buffon took both the 'gifts' and the 'joke' with such grace was typical of the man, as Italy coach Cesare Prandelli acknowledged.

"Gigi responded very well, with great composure, with great irony ... but then, pensioners are wise people,” the former Fiorentina boss joked.

“All joking aside, though, Gigi has shown and will show a great response; everything will be decided on the field."

Indeed, who would now bet against Buffon issuing the perfect riposte on Wednesday night? In that context, Beckenbauer’s outburst was really quite silly. No player should be above criticism and yes, Beckenbauer made his comments with a smile on his face, but they could prove horribly counterproductive.

Der Kaiser has offered similarly harsh appraisals in the past - he called Bayern’s players “pensioners” after a 3-0 defeat away to Lyon during their 2000-01 Champions League campaign but Stefan Effenberg subsequently claimed that the criticism spurred them on to victory that season. However, this was different: these were not barbs aimed at his own players; they were not motivational. At least not for Bayern, with the irony being that rather than invoke a response out of his own side, Beckenbauer now runs the risk of provoking a Buffon-led backlash out of the Bianconeri.

Still, regardless of the outcome on Wednesday night, Buffon has already reminded Beckenbauer, and everyone else for that matter, that a true legend is a class act off the field, as well as on it.

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Beckenbauer apologises for Buffon pensioner jibe

The former Germany international has made it clear that the didn't intend

to insult the goalkeeper, but still feels his performance was not good enough.

Apr 6, 2013

Bayern Munich icon Franz Beckenbauer has apologised for calling Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon a pensioner, but stands by his opinion that the shot-stopper should have done better in Tuesday's Champions League encounter.

Beckenbauer criticised the Italy international after he failed to save David Alaba's long-range strike early in the game, and though he has stressed he did not intend to insult the Italy veteran, he believes his performance we well below par.

"I am sorry if I have offended Buffon by using the word 'pensioner'. That was never my intention," Beckenbauer told Bild.

"But I still feel that Buffon should have done better with the 1-0 as well as the 2-0, when he failed to hold on to the ball."

Buffon will be desperate to prove his critics wrong in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final in Turin on Wednesday.

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'It's not easy being Buffon'

Apr 6, 2013

Gigi Buffon admits Juventus’ defeat to Bayern Munich “was probably my worst performance in the Champions League. It’s not easy being Buffon.”

The goalkeeper was stunned by a deflected David Alaba shot within the first 30 seconds of the quarter-final, then only parried another effort for Thomas Muller’s second.

“Many of us played badly that night, myself included,” Buffon told L’Equipe newspaper in France.

“It was probably my worst performance in my Champions League career. I am one of the most experienced in the squad, so perhaps my performance affected that of my teammates.”

Today Bayern Munich honorary President Franz Beckenbauer apologised for “offence” caused when saying Buffon looked like a pensioner.

“I have nothing to say. This is a man who wrote the history of this sport, he works for a great club and I respect him.

“I have been playing football for 18 years and I can tell you one thing: It’s not easy being Gianluigi Buffon!

“Whenever I make a mistake, people talk about it for a week to 10 days, it’s as if the ground beneath our feet is shaking! On the other hand, at least that means people expect very high standards of me.”

[Socrates 8387]

Beckenbauer apologises to Buffon

Apr 6, 2013

Franz Beckenbauer has apologised for calling Gigi Buffon “a pensioner” after his performance against Bayern Munich. “I didn’t want to offend him, but...”

The honorary President of Bayern made the comments after Juventus lost 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.

His suggestion Buffon “looked like a pensioner” when trying to stop the two goals sparked outrage in Italy.

“I apologise to Buffon if he felt offended by my words, as it was not my intention,” Beckenbauer told Bild.

“However, I remain convinced of my opinion: Buffon should’ve been able to block the first and second goals.”

[Socrates 8387]

Buffon: Conte the best Coach

May 6, 2013

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Antonio Conte is the best Coach he has ever worked with.

The pair won their second consecutive Scudetti on Sunday, as the Bianconeri defeated Palermo 1-0.

And the goalkeeper has revealed what playing for the Turin giants means to him, whilst also commenting on his responsibilities as captain and who he has the best relationship with.

“I don’t want to be boring but I think every Coach has had a decisive impact on my career development,” he told fifa.com.

“I have to say, though, that Antonio Conte is definitely the best coach I’ve worked with.

“In a short space of time he’s managed to breathe new life into a team that in two seasons could do no better than seventh place. And he was a winner straightaway.

“Juventus, for me is a life of success, struggle and commitment. It’s a family I’ve grown up in and helped others to grow in.

“It’s a kind of life choice, a way of life.

“I’ve never felt that being a captain is just about wearing an armband. A real captain is one who plays an important role for the team on the pitch and in the dressing room, regardless of the position they play in.

“There are five defenders, no question who I've had the best relationship with: Fabio Cannavaro, Lillian Thuram, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.”

[Socrates 8387]

'Prandelli doing an excellent job'

May 6, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that Cesare Prandelli is doing an 'excellent job' at the Italian National Team.

The Azzurri reached the final of Euro 2012 last summer, and currently sit top of their World Cup qualifying group.

And the goalkeeper has insisted that the former Fiorentina Coach is doing well in the job, whilst also commenting on his senior status in the squad.

“Thanks to the excellent job Cesare Prandelli is doing, I think we’ve found a balance between defensive solidity and an attacking approach that allows our great forwards to express themselves better,” he told a Press conference.

“That time stops for no man. I made my debut when I was 17 and now I’m 35. I can’t stop the clock from ticking, but I’m very much at peace with myself and I’m not worried about it.

“The future belongs to the youngsters and I’m just trying to pass on the experience I’ve acquired over the years.”

[Socrates 8387]

Scudetto a huge weight off Juve's shoulders, says Buffon

The experienced goalkeeper is over the moon with his side's Serie A success and believes they always performed at the important moments.

May 6, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has voiced his delight with Juventus' Scudetto win and has admitted that a weight been lifted off their shoulders now they have wrapped up the title.

The Turin giants recorded a 1-0 win over Palermo at the weekend to secure the Serie A title and the Italy captain feels they fully deserve their success as they always performed when it mattered most.

"It’s a huge weight off our shoulders, a responsibility we've had from the start of the season. When you’re favourites and expected to win, it’s only yours to lose. We did well," he told the official Juventus website.

"I’ve really enjoyed this particular Scudetto triumph as we’ve shown our group spirit right from the first match.

"We never put a foot wrong when it counted and in recent matches, we took the decisive steps by winning difficult games that were anything but guaranteed victories."

Juventus take on Atalanta, Cagliari and Sampdoria in their remaining three Serie A games.

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Buffon: Conte is the best coach I've worked with

The Juventus captain has praised his boss for bringing a winning mentality to Turin after the club had suffered a couple of years in the wilderness.

May 6, 2013

Juventus and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says that Antonio Conte is the best coach he has worked with in his career.

The former Siena boss took the reins at the Turin giants in the summer of 2011 and has since delivered two successive Serie A titles and led the Old Lady to the Champions League quarter-finals.

“I think every coach has had a decisive impact on my career development but I have to say that Conte is definitely the best coach I’ve worked with," he told Fifa.com.

“In a short space of time he’s breathed new life into a team who in two seasons could do no better than seventh place. And he was a winner straightaway."

Buffon, who captains Italy as well as Juve, went on to say that Cesare Prandelli has revolutionised the Azzurri team since taking over in 2010.

"Thanks to the excellent job Cesare Prandelli is doing, I think we've found a balance between defensive solidity and an attacking approach that allows our great forwards to express themselves better," he added.

Prandelli led Italy to the Euro 2012 final in his first tournament in charge of his country.