Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: Juventus were under much more pressure this season

The goalkeeper said winning a second Scudetto in a row was a great accomplishment but that it felt very different to last year's success.

May 9, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted Juventus felt the added pressure of being defending champions in Serie A but was impressed by how the side dealt with it.

The Turin giants won the Scudetto for the second year in a row, with their goalkeeper admitting the levels of scrutiny and expectation were far higher this time around than when they finished up on top last year.

As a result, Buffon said winning the title was a very different sensation to last term but that it still represented an excellent achievement.

Addressing a group of students, he said: “This Scudetto did not have the same strong feeling as last year’s.

“Last year was the surprise title considering we started out at a disadvantage, but this year it had a different feeling.

“The fact we were the team to beat meant we were forced to win from July through to now, although of course it was a sweet sensation too.

“Managing to win while knowing everyone is sitting there just waiting for you to make a mistake and the pressure of the people on your shoulders is not easy.

“However, seeing as it is so difficult, it gives you a great feeling when you achieve those results.”

Buffon recently praised boss Antonio Conte following the Scudetto success, saying he was the best coach he had ever worked under.

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: 'Juve forced to win'

May 9, 2013

Gigi Buffon confirms the second consecutive Scudetto felt different, but that Juventus didn’t mind being “forced to win.”

The Bianconeri dominated Serie A for the last two seasons and on Sunday will be presented with the Scudetto trophy after their game with Cagliari.

“This Scudetto did not have the same strong feeling as last year’s, as that was the surprise title considering we started out at a disadvantage,” Buffon told students in Turin.

“This year it had a different feeling. The fact we were the team to beat meant we were forced to win from July to now, although of course it was a sweet sensation too.

“Managing to win while knowing everyone is sitting there just waiting for you to make a mistake and the pressure of the people on your shoulders is not easy.

“However, seeing as it is so difficult, it gives you a great feeling when you achieve those results.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon sees Conte at Juventus

May 15, 2013

Gigi Buffon is confident that Antonio Conte will still be the Juventus boss as the club try to challenge for the Champions League next season.

Conte’s future in Turin is unclear after the tactician refused to commit to the outfit until he held talks with officials.

The club captain, however, insists that meeting will only re-affirm Conte’s desire to lift more honours in Turin.

“We all know how dear the club is to the Coach,” the Italian international goalkeeper commented to journalists.

“He’s got a well-established relationship with the President and that’s why I don’t think he’ll have any problem in staying with us.”

Juve have won their second consecutive Scudetto since Conte arrived, but their European Cup hopes were ended by Bayern Munich.

“We hope to bring home another prestigious trophy as soon as possible,” he noted when asked about the Champions League dream.

“We all saw how Bayern have become an example to follow in Europe, but we have the desire to improve.

“We’ve been chasing the European dream for years. Ability and also an element of good fortune are what’s required to get there.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon a fan of Jovetic and Ogbonna

Jun 4, 2013

Juventus captain Gigi Buffon has welcomed transfer links with Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic and Angelo Ogbonna of Torino.

The Old Lady are looking to reinforce ahead of next season and the two players are on their wish-list.

“Jovetic, like all the other players who could arrive to improve Juventus, would be welcome,” Buffon stated on Tuesday.

“Ogbonna, meanwhile, is an exceptional lad, a very intelligent one,” he said of his Italian international colleague.

“In my opinion he is a very strong player with great potential, even more than he is showing at this moment in time.

“When he matures he will be a reference point of this Italy team.”

Fiorentina value the Montenegro international forward at around the €30m figure, while Toro think their centre-back is worth close to €15m.

In order to fund such proposed swoops, there are suggestions that Juve could sell Claudio Marchisio this summer.

“I’ve read that there have been offers for Marchisio, but clubs have the right to make bids for Juventus players,” Buffon noted.

“Claudio is a great champion and I think it is normal that there are teams who would want a player of his calibre.

“I don’t know if the club will sell anybody or not, but we have a very capable and ambitious President, a staff who will certainly want to improve the squad so I have no fear.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: Italy in safe hands

Jun 5, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon thinks the future of Italian goalkeeping is in safe hands. “There will be no problem when I’m no longer here on international duty.”

The Juventus captain is still widely considered as the best custodian on the peninsula, but he is now 35-years-of-age.

Asked about his possible successor with the Azzurri, the veteran is convinced that there will be no lack of candidates to fill his gloves.

“My successor is the least of problems,” he noted. “We have a large park of goalkeepers with great value.

“There is Salvatore Sirigu who has won a championship with Paris Saint-Germain and is emerging at international level.

“Lazio’s Federico Marchetti is on that same wave. We shouldn’t forget about Fiorentina’s Emiliano Viviano and then there is Cagliari’s Michael Agazzi who is on his way up.

“There is also the new generation which includes the likes of Francesco Bardi, Nicola Leali, Vincenzo Fiorillo, Simone Colombi, there really are many smart ‘keepers coming through.

“As a result, I don’t think there will be any kind of problem at all when I am no longer called up into the squad.

“Even if I wasn’t playing today then there would be no need to panic.”

Buffon has won 127 caps for his country and is now just nine games short of the appearance record held by Fabio Cannavaro.

[Socrates 8614]

Jovetic more than welcome at Juventus, says Buffon

The experienced goalkeeper feels the Montenegro star would help
the Serie A champions close the gap to the likes of Bayern Munich.

Jun 5, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon says he would welcome Stevan Jovetic with open arms if the striker were to leave Fiorentina for Juventus this summer.

The Montenegro international has long been linked with a move to the Serie A champions, although they face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal, and Buffon believes Jovetic would be an excellent signing as the Bianconeri look to compete with the likes of Bayern Munich in Europe next season.

"Jovetic? Any player who will help Juventus improve is more than welcome, except a goalkeeper of course...," Buffon told Tuttosport.

"We must follow the path we are on and try to improve on our performances from the past few seasons.

"It will not be easy to close the gap with the European top clubs, of which Bayern Munich has impressed me the most.

"But Italian football has plenty of young talents, both at Juventus and at other clubs. I believe in Juventus' management and don't fear the departure of any champions."

The 23-year-old Jovetic has a contract with Fiorentina until June 2016, but could be available for a fee in the region of €25-30 million.

[Socrates 8614]

'It can happen to anyone' -
Buffon downplays Balotell red

The AC Milan forward was sent off in the space of two second-half minutes against the Czech Republic
on Friday, but his Italy team-mate has urged his critics to lay off him.

Jun 8, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Mario Balotelli was unlucky to be shown a red card in Italy's 0-0 draw with Czech Republic in Friday's World Cup 2014 qualifier.

The AC Milan striker was given his marching orders on 71 minutes following two bookable offences before punching and kicking the tunnel in frustration as he departed the pitch, but the goalkeeper was keen to play down the severity of the incident.

"I don't see anything serious [in Balotelli's red]. He picked up two yellows and it can happen to anyone, so I think people are reading too much into it," he told Rai Sport.

"What matters is that when he goes onto the pitch, he gives his maximum. It's not an issue of maturity, they are just on-field situations."

Buffon then reflected on Italy's performance and admitted that his side were reeling from the demands of a tough club season, having been outplayed for long spells in the Czech capital.

"It's an important point. In our next matches, we must arrive [on the pitch] with righteous anger, competitive charge, but also the desire to fight. All these components were missing due to not playing for a month," the Juventus man added.

"We struggled to put them into practice. I think it was a problem physically and mentally. When the season ends, you become deflated and are unprepared for matches like this.

"We have also carried heavy loads [over the course of the season]. But what matters the most is our allegiance to the national team, which never fails on the part of anyone."

Meanwhile, Alberto Aquilani - who came off the bench to replace Andrea Pirlo in the second half - took the positives out of the stalemate and voiced his delight at finally establishing himself in the national team.

"It was a complicated match. [The Czechs] played to the death and gave everything for all three points. It is a draw that gives us hope, so we must accept it in a positive way," the Fiorentina midfielder said.

"I tried to give my best when I entered the pitch. I'm fine with being labeled as a midfield deputy. I'm glad because it means I can play many roles."

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: 'The missing trophy'

Jun 9, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon is already looking to next season with Juventus. “I’d like to win the trophy I haven’t won yet...”

The goalkeeper has had a remarkable career, lifting the World Cup, several Scudetti, the Coppa Italia, four Italian Super Cups, the UEFA Cup and European Under-21 Championship.

However, the Champions League has always remained out of reach.

“What do I dream of winning? The important thing is that my teammates and I do our best to find success,” said Buffon at a media event.

“Obviously I’d like to win the trophy I haven’t won yet...”

The Bianconeri reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League this season, but were knocked out by eventual winners Bayern Munich.

The Turin giants are active on the transfer market with strong links to both Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) and Carlos Tevez (Manchester City).

“I have no preferences between those two, as I have faith in the club. Whoever does arrive will be a great player who’ll allow us to improve further.”

[Socrates 8614]

Arrogance cost Italy, says Buffon

Jun 12, 2012

Italy captain Gigi Buffon has slammed his side’s overconfidence after they threw away a victory against Haiti.

The Azzurri took a 2-0 lead against the minnows in Tuesday’s international friendly, only to concede twice in the last 10 minutes.

“We should have avoided such a result given that we had a double advantage,” the Juventus goalkeeper stated after the 2-2 draw in Rio, Brazil.

“I don’t want to be discriminatory, but we were not playing against Spain or a highly decorated national side.

“This result is the son of an ounce of superficiality and arrogance, because we thought we’d have no problems in ending the game with a victory.”

Buffon was not used by boss Cesare Prandelli last night as Paris Saint-Germain’s Salvatore Sirigu and Lazio’s Federico Marchetti were given a half each.

Italy will begin their Confederations Cup campaign against Mexico on Sunday.

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: We are not inferior to Spain

The goalkeeper has urged his teammates to show their quality against La Roja,
after an embarrassing defeat to them at the European Championship two years ago.

Jun 27, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon believes Italy are capable of upsetting Spain in their Confederations Cup semi-final match.

The Azzurri suffered a 4-0 thrashing in the final of Euro 2012 last summer, and although la Roja remain favourites to join Brazil in the final on Sunday, Buffon insists the gap in quality between the sides is not as great as some believe.

“I hope to be able to obtain an unexpected result tonight that I can share with my teammates. We want to make a good showing against one of the best teams in the world,” the Italy captain told reporters.

“We want to show that the difference in quality between us is not as big as Spain showed in the final a year ago. We are not inferior.”

While the 35-year-old is confident his team has the talent to compete, he has plenty of respect for what Spain have accomplished in the last five years.

“Since winning the 2008 European Championship, Spain experienced a succession of incredible successes," he continued.

“Even if they did not win that day, they would have won it in 2010 at the World Cup and the European Championship in 2012 because the belief is important in their squad, but so is the quality of the players.”

Italy have looked shaky in defence thus far in the tournament, conceding four goals in their last outing against Brazil, and Buffon admits he is hoping for improvement in the semi-final.

“I've never been one to hide behind a finger," he added. "Without a doubt I could do better against Brazil, even though I still did good things. Being the goalkeeper, however, I know that puts the emphasis only on my mistakes and my lack of attention.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: Being a keeper in Italy
is the hardest thing in the world

The Juventus shot-stopper thinks the Azzurri have always had a wealth of choice between the sticks
and has called for critics to go easy on young players when mistakes are made.

Jun 30, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has stressed the difficulty of being a goalkeeper in Italy, labelling it "the hardest thing in the world".

The veteran shot-stopper has been a constant for the Azzurri since his debut in 1997 and, ahead of the Confederations Cup third-place play-off final against Uruguay on Sunday, has picked up 132 caps.

The Juventus No.1 believes that critics dwell on goalkeeping errors more than mistakes in any other area of the pitch and says that it is particularly tough in his homeland.

"In Italy, being a goalkeeper is the hardest thing in the world," Buffon told Globo Esporte, "because criticism that goalkeepers suffer in general here in Italy is always negative.

"If I fail, they speak for four months about that error. But I guess if they talk so much it is because they are not used to seeing me fail."

Buffon believes that young footballers should not be heavily criticised as it is part of the learning process and also dismissed the importance of behaviour off the pitch.

"I think the young player has the right to make mistakes," the 35-year-old said. "It's with such an error that he can mature and become a man.

"A player off the field can do whatever you want, the important thing is that on the field they give their utmost to help the other 10 players."

Cesare Prandelli chose Buffon, Paris Saint-Germain starlet Salvatore Sirigu and Lazio shot-stopper Federico Marchetti to take to the Confederations Cup and the Bianconeri captain thinks that the Azzurri have always had a trio of excellent options between the sticks.

"Italy have always had three of the best goalkeepers in the world, in each selection and each period of football," he added. "It is a constant.

"Now, when I look back and I think of my career, I see that it was really hard to get hold of the No.1 position for around 20 years".

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: 'Hardest job in the world'

Jun 30, 2013

Gigi Buffon faces Uruguay in the Confederations Cup today and warns “being a goalkeeper in Italy is the hardest thing in the world.”

The Juventus shot-stopper has come in for criticism during this tournament and hopes to prove them wrong in Salvador de Bahia at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

“Being a goalkeeper in Italy is the hardest thing in the world, because the criticism you get is always negative,” he told GloboEsporte.

“If I get something wrong, they talk about that error for four months. I understand that if they talk so much about a mistake it’s because they are not accustomed to seeing me make errors.

“Italy have always had three of the best goalkeepers in the world during any one period in the history of football.

“When I look back and think about my career, I realise it was really difficult to be the first choice Italy goalkeeper for 20 years.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon proud of Italy performance

The veteran keeper was quick to praise his team-mates after his penalty
heroics helped to salvage some pride at the end of the tournament.

Jun 30, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon praised his side’s determination after Italy secured third place in the Confederations Cup with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Uruguay in Salvador.

The Azzurri had to see out the final 10 minutes of extra time with 10 men after Riccardo Montolivo was sent off, but Cesare Prandelli’s team dug deep and secured victory on penalties when Buffon saved from Walter Gargano.

"It's a moment for us to be proud, because we did well in a very difficult match," he said.

“It would've been harder if we didn't show this type of character on the pitch. We suffered a lot during the match, but this outcome made it worthwhile and I was able to give my best for the team."

Italy were knocked out in the semi-final by Spain on penalties after a brave display against the World champions and the manner of the victory over Uruguay convinced Buffon that his country are still right at the top of the international game.

"We honoured our place in the football world the best way we could,” added the Juventus keeper.

“It’s a miracle we’re here now. We managed not to lose, and this is very positive.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon's career far from over, says agent

The Italy skipper's representative is adamant his client can stay in the game
until he is 40 and says Italy are back among the top-five teams in the world.

Jul 1, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has at least another five years ahead of him, according to his agent Silvano Martina.

The 35-year-old came in for criticism during Italy's Confederations Cup campaign and was even labelled a "pensioner" by Franz Beckenbauer after the Bianconeri's 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

However, Martina is certain his client will ease towards 40 and possibly even appear for the country during the World Cup 2018 in Russia.

"Gigi can reach 40 quietly and without a fuss," the player's representative told Radio Sportiva.

"He can even make it to the World Cup in 2018. Gigi is an absolute champion and still the strongest goalkeeper of them all.

"The penalty shoot-out against Spain was unlucky, those were simply unstoppable. A goalkeeper can't really be judged by a shoot-out."

Martina also feels Italy are back at the highest level following their third-placed finish at the Confederations Cup and can be considered one of the favourites to win the World Cup in Brazil next year.

"The Confederations Cup was an event which prepared the team well for next year," he added.

"Italian football has got back to its optimum level, we are back among the top five in the world."

[Socrates 8614]

'Buffon can play until he's 40'

Jul 1, 2013

The agent of Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that the goalkeeper can play at the top of the game until his 40th birthday.

The Juventus shot-stopper was the hero on Sunday as Italy beat Uruguay 3-2 on penalties in the Confederations Cup third-place play-off.

And his representative has admitted that the 35-year-old goes into next season as one of the best in the world.

“Gigi can reach 40 quietly and without a fuss,” Silvano Martina told Radio Sportiva. “He can make the World Cup in 2018.

“Gigi is an absolute champion and is still the strongest goalkeeper of them all.

“The penalty shoot-out against Spain [in the semi-final of the tournament] was unlucky – those penalties were unstoppable.

“A goalkeeper can't really be judged by a shoot-out – he has less to lose than the attacker.

“But the Confederations Cup was a event which prepared the team well for next year.

“Italian football has got back to its optimum level, amongst the top five in the world.”

[Socrates 8614]

Gianluigi Buffon robs Diego Forlan not once, but twice

Jul 1, 2013

Seeing Gianluigi Buffon put on a clinic in goal isn't exactly some newfound phenomenon. It's actually quite the contrary. To be the best in the world, you must continually show us why — and I'm pretty sure Buffon has done that.

But just in case you were wondering if a 35-year-old Buffon still had it, go ahead an watch the video above.

In a game that featured not much to play for other than third-place at a tournament that isn't exactly the highest on Italy's priority list, Buffon made sure the team he captains were able to go on summer vacation with their head held high. (Although one could argue a few weeks in Brazil in June no matter what you're there for is a vacation already.)

Sure, it ended in penalties — where Buffon stopped three out of five shots by Uruguay, including one on Juventus teammate Martin Caceres' attempt — but it wouldn't have been if not for the double he did against Diego Forlan, making two remarkable saves in a matter of two seconds.

Did I mention he's 35 years old? I think so.

And as he closes in on Fabio Cannavaro's cap record — Buffon won his 133rd agains Uruguay and needs three more to tie the former Italy captain — San Gigi isn't showing any signs of slowing down. But then again, most of us around these parts know that having watched him week-win and week-out the past two years after he returned from back surgery.

Still, it's always nice to see Buffon doing Buffon things. When isn't it, though?

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: Spain & Brazil at different level

Jul 8, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Italy's third place at the Confederations Cup was 'satisfying' but has conceded that the Azzurri have to improve for next summer.

Cesare Prandelli's side defeated Uruguay in the third-place play-off at the tournament, with the Juve shot-stopper pulling off three saves.

But the 35-year-old believes that his team are still on a 'different level' to Spain and eventual champions Brazil.

“There's no doubt we did well overall, so that's satisfying,” he told fifa.com.

“We showed we're a good team that's able to compete on an equal footing against anyone, which is a great quality to have.

“Another advantage is that we have a fantastic group of players, and that isn't always the case in a team, especially at international level.

“We learnt so many little things that will help us prepare better for next year. From the weather to the level our opponents are at, there were lots of interesting details to take from it.

“I honestly think it's been great to have a dress rehearsal before the World Cup because it'll give us a small advantage over everyone else.

“No, we're at a different level [to Brazil and Spain]. We're a side that's been improving steadily over the last few years.

“We hope to continue that process to be able to get to where we want to be, but for now our focus isn't on drawing comparisons with other teams, but to reach the level we want to be at for Brazil 2014.”

[Socrates 8614]

'Italy not on par with world's best' - Buffon

The veteran shot stopper believes the Azzurri are not yet among the best
in the world, but hopes they will be at the required level at next year's World Cup.

Jul 8, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon believes that it is premature to claim Italy can be considered one of the best teams in the world.

Cesare Prandelli's men secured a third-place finish in June's Confederations Cup after previously making it to the final at Euro 2012, but the Juventus goalkeeper believes they are still a work in progress heading towards the World Cup in Brazil.

"Italy are not on a par with the world's best teams yet. We're at a different [lower] level," Buffon, 35, told Fifa.com.

"We're a side that have been improving steadily over the last few years. We hope to continue that process to be able to get to where we want to be.

"For now our focus isn't on drawing comparisons with other teams, but to reach the level we want to be at for Brazil 2014.

"I think we're on the right track, but it's a process so we constantly need to hone the finer details. We did well at the Confederations Cup and we upheld the reputation Italy has earned over the years.

"We'll try to do the same at the World Cup but we need to be in good form to do so. That's what we're working towards."

Italy currently sit first in their World Cup qualification group with 14 points from six games, holding a four-point lead over second-placed Bulgaria.

[Socrates 8614]

Italy one of the best, says Buffon

Jul 22, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon is confident Italy will have a good chance of winning the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

The Azzurri crashed out at the group stages in 2010, but the goalkeeper is upbeat about the strength of the national side after their showings at Euro 2012 and the recent Confederations Cup.

“A beautiful national side is being born,” the Juventus captain told ANSA. “The side can still grow and take on anybody at the World Cup.

“We demonstrated at the Confederations Cup that we are as good as the best teams in the world. We’ve also made progress in the way we play.

“Now we need to keep following the instructions of boss Cesare Prandelli in order to continue growing.”

Italy finished as runners-up to Spain in the European Championship a year ago. They achieved third at the Confederations Cup in Brazil last month.

Buffon has won 133 caps for his nation. He is just three short of drawing level with record holder Fabio Cannavaro.

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: A stronger Juve, but…

Jul 29, 2013

Gigi Buffon believes he is now part of an even more competitive Juventus, but he expects a real fight for the Scudetto in 2013-14.

Although the Old Lady will likely start the campaign as favourites to win their third consecutive championship, the 35-year-old is keeping his feet on the ground.

“I’ve come back to a stronger Juventus side,” the Italian international noted. “Now we’ve got additional elements of excellent quality. We’ve taken a genuine step forward.

“However, it won’t be easy to reclaim our title. In fact, this year will be even harder than the previous two.

“Milan are competitive even without making big statements in the transfer market, because they’ve already got players that allow them to be amongst the front runners.

“Inter’s best signing has been their Coach and they already have a foundation of six or seven young and important players. They’ll soon be able to get back to winning ways.

“Napoli have bolstered their squad and recruited a winner as their Coach – Rafa Benitez. He’s someone I have a great deal of respect for, a great professional who knows what’s required in order to win.

“Fiorentina also have the signing of Beppe Rossi, who if he clicks with Mario Gomez will form part of an international level strike-force.

“But the fact that our rivals are strengthening, coupled with Antonio Conte’s unrelenting approach, will only help us to remain on the ball.”

The Bianconeri have completed some significant work on the transfer market with the captures of Fernando Llorente, Angelo Ogbonna and Carlos Tevez.

“The acquisition of Tevez was a real statement of intent from the club,” the former Parma No 1 continued.

“Carlos is one of those who can tip the balance and the fact that a champion like him has considered Juve is also a point of pride for us players.

“Evidently, his decision to come here means that we’ve also done something important on a European level.

“The new arrivals have already blended in well with the group and don’t hold back when there’s work to be done. They’ve got an excellent attitude.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: Italian football is improving

The Juventus shot-stopper feels that Serie A is becoming more competitive
again having seen clubs bolster their squads on the transfer market.

Jul 29, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is wary of the competition that awaits in Serie A this season having watched the Scudetto challengers bolster their ranks in the summer.

The Bianconeri have triumphed in the last two campaigns in Italy, though the veteran shot-stopper believes that there are plenty of contenders who have strengthened their squads in the past couple of months.

Buffon highlighted Napoli and Fiorentina in particular, though also refused to rule out the threat of AC Milan and Inter, who endured differing fates in Serie A in the previous campaign.

"Our league is improving," Buffon told the club's official website. "Napoli and Fiorentina have been playing good football for a year, made spectacular progress and I think the players who have chosen to play in Italy have also come to this conclusion.

"Napoli have bolstered their squad and recruited a winner as their coach. He’s someone I have a great deal of respect for, a great professional who knows what’s required in order to win.

"Fiorentina also have the signing of Giuseppe Rossi, who if he clicks with Mario Gomez will form part of an international level strikeforce.

"Milan are competitive even without making big statements in the transfer market, because they’ve already got players that allow them to be amongst the front runners.

"Inter’s best signing has been their coach and they already have a foundation of six or seven young and important players. They’ll soon be able to get back to winning ways."

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon not worried by loss to Inter

Aug 7, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon insists his Juventus side will be competitive when they face Lazio in the Italian Super Cup Final on August 18.

The Old Lady’s pre-season form has been worrying and they lost 10-9 on penalties to Inter during the night after a 1-1 draw with the Nerazzurri.

“The results of these games don’t worry me,” the Italian international noted. “I would have been more worried had we been brilliant…

http://markting10.nl/

“Had that been the case then it would have suggested that we would have had little energy during the rest of the season.

“Many of us have been training for just eight or nine days and playing an entire game, as some did, is tough because we’ve worked a great deal.

“We’ll now have the time to get over the exertion of our preparation and get ourselves ready for the first official games.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon pleased for Lazio's Marchetti

Aug 15, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has praised fellow goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, but has admitted that Italy deserved to lose to Argentina.

The Azzurri went down 2-1 to the South Americans in Rome on Wednesday evening, but the Juve man believes that the Lazio shot-stopper deserves his chance.

“Argentina deserved the victory,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We didn’t do enough in the first half.

http://markting10.nl/

“There was a definite difference between us and them.

“It was a particular game, one with a different meaning to other friendlies – it was right to do it in honour of His Holiness.

“Marchetti? I thought he did well. With the National Team he has often been unlucky.

“He did very well, but hopefully he will be quieter on Sunday [in the Supercopa match].”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon: 'I won't urinate on Totti's locker!'

Aug 17, 2013

Gigi Buffon had a rather curious way of describing his respect for Lazio and Roma. “I wouldn’t urinate on Francesco Totti’s locker.”

The goalkeeper spoke at a Press conference with Coach Antonio Conte ahead of the Italian Super Cup, which kicks off at 20.00 UK time on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico.

“In my view Lazio have over the last two years always shown themselves to be a tough opponent, hard to beat and in the Coppa Italia able to lift the trophy. We have great respect for this team.

“The efforts of the club were important to build the team and on paper we certainly have a better squad than last season. We can only confirm that on the pitch and with our daily work, as we want to continue amazing people.

http://markting10.nl/

“When there are one-off games for a trophy, there can be no risk of anyone being sated or unmotivated.

“Our fans, especially in occasions like this, have always supported us in the best possible way. I remember the Coppa Italia Final here against Napoli and that defeat was a severe disappointment. We hope to make up for that tomorrow.”

Miroslav Klose is Lazio’s primary hitman, but the German veteran has never scored against Juventus.

“I read that statistic. It sent a chill down my spine! When facing a player of that lineage, it’s normal that sooner or later he’ll score against you. I just hope it won’t be tomorrow! If that should occur, I hope Juve can win the trophy anyway.”

Buffon also praised his Italy teammate Federico Marchetti, who will be in goal for the Biancocelesti tomorrow.

“I can only speak highly of Federico. He’s a great example for kids, as he worked hard every day through difficulties not necessarily of his own doing and is a very generous guy who is appreciated in the locker room. I can only tip my hat to him.”

Some Roma fans are furious that Juventus have been loaned the Trigoria training camp to prepare for this big match, but Buffon had a rather colourful explanation of why nobody should be concerned.

“I think it was a gesture of great civility from Roma and the media probably ought to show it in a better light rather than bow to those who have nothing to do with the mechanism of this sport.

“It’s not as if I went to someone else’s house and urinated on my friend Totti’s locker! We showed great respect when visiting their training facilities, as we would when visiting anyone’s home.

“The first time I played against Lazio at the Olimpico was at the age of 18. Ever since the fans have always shown respect and fondness for me, perhaps also because many years ago my move to Lazio had been rumoured. I will salute the supporters, of course.”

[Socrates 8614]

Buffon intent on Supercoppa triumph

The Juventus skipper says he wants to reward his side's supporters
with the inaugural trophy of the season against Lazio on Sunday.

Aug 18, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has told his team-mates that lifting the Supercoppa Italiana on Sunday would be the perfect way to start their season.

The Bianconeri claimed the trophy last term and, having retained their Serie A title, will face Coppa Italia winners Lazio in Rome.

Although the veteran keeper is aware of the threat the capital club pose, he is determined to overcome the Biancocelesti for his side's travelling support.

http://markting10.nl/

"I'd like to lift the trophy in front of our people, who are always present in numbers even away from Turin," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"This time in Rome I want to celebrate with my fans. This is no dry run with a trophy up for grabs. Juve are not satisfied.

"But Lazio are a tricky opponent this early in the season. We have great respect for Vladimir Petkovic's team."

Buffon went on to say that the club have strengthened Antonio Conte's side significantly during the summer transfer window, leaving them ready to challenge for honours yet again.

"The club has made significant efforts," he continued.

"On paper we have a better squad than last year but everything is confirmed on the field. We're not going anywhere without sacrifice, focus and desire to continue to amaze."