Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon's slow decline means Juventus
must make a decision on his future

The Italy captain has been tipped to carry on playing for as long as he wants,
but signs of wear and tear suggest that it may be time for the Bianconeri to get a Plan B ready.

Oct 6, 2013

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes

It wasn't his fault that Leonardo Bonucci sold him at least five yards short on the backpass which gifted Galatasaray a first-half lead over Juventus on Wednesday night, but one couldn’t help but think that it was something Gianluigi Buffon would have dealt with effortlessly five years ago.

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The Bianconeri skipper has never been faultless – no footballer is – but the gaps between Buffon's errors has narrowed significantly over the years. Normally, he deals in one per year. In 2010, it was an awful spill which gifted a goal to Genoa’s Marco Rossi; in 2011 he was sent-off for misjudging David Di Michele’s flick against Lecce and handling outside his box. Last year, Juve’s title party was delayed by four days thanks to a slip which threw away a late lead, also against Lecce.

But when he has been at least partly culpable this year, it has been a different type of mistake. It has not been the very human lapses that even the best shot-stopper will be liable to on occasion; rather, they have been the ones that have shown a fading of the qualities he has boasted throughout his career.

Earlier in the year it was a slow response to David Alaba’s deflected long-range shot that set the tone for Bayern Munich’s 4-0 aggregate win in the Champions League which had some pointing their fingers in the direction of the 35-year-old. Then he parried Marcelo’s shot straight to Fred against Brazil at the Confederations Cup having reacted a split-second too late once more to the original shot. And his inability to react quickly enough to Bonucci’s error has again raised a question.

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The difference between the very best goalkeepers and the very good ones is in that ability to be one step ahead of an opposing striker, and whereas once Buffon was the personification of that quality, he is now showing little signs of slipping from his perch.

Once the greatest goalkeeper in the game, he remains the best there is when it comes to organisation and authority of crowded goalmouths, but his great sense of anticipation has been compromised by his slowing body. Likewise, he is taking that millisecond longer to get down to some shots than has been his custom for years.

It has long been suggested, not least by this writer, that Buffon could end up matching the feat of Dino Zoff by captaining Italy to a World Cup win at the age of 40, but while he remains the Azzurri’s undisputed number one heading to Brazil 2014, by Russia 2018 he may well be just another Italy legend of the past.

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Antonio Conte will rightly feel that there is no reason to upset the applecart just yet, but all the same he needs to be thinking beyond Buffon. In just the same way that the club have Paul Pogba lined up as their Andrea Pirlo proxy for the longer term, so they should be creating a hard and fast blueprint for a future without Buffon. He still has a few years in him, but maybe not at the level that Juve will need if they want to be challenging for Champions League titles three years from now.

Currently they have 36-year-old Marco Storari and 31-year-old Rubinho backing up the 136-cap first choice, with youngster Nicola Leali out on loan at Spezia. But with each month racked up between the sticks by Buffon, Juventus edge closer to the day when they have to think long and hard about what comes next.

Whether that means bringing back Leali to have him learn the Juve way under their watchful eye or spending some serious cash on a ready-made replacement, a decision may need to be made sooner rather than later. Because if the Old Lady are serious about being at the top of their game over a significant period, they may just have to start looking beyond the legend.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Totti is immortal

Oct 9, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that in his current form, Francesco Totti could make a difference to any team.

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There have been some claims in the Italian Press that the Roma forward could make a return to the national side set-up for the World Cup.

And ahead of their game against Denmark on Friday, the Juventus goalkeeper has conceded that the veteran goalscorer would be an asset.

“Totti is immortal as a player,” he told a Press conference. “In this form he could make a different everywhere.

“He is proving to be a champion.

“We’ll have to find the strength to honour this qualification process. To play badly for the national team – at any stage – doesn’t please any one.

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“The best thing for Italian football would be for us to win this game. We have to be a point of reference for the game in this country.”

Buffon then commented on recent controversy surrounding ‘territorial discrimination’ and Juve’s start to the season.

“There’s a fine line between local pride and discrimination,” he added. “There are always risks

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“It is a delicate issue so we all have to take some responsibility.

“We can’t be passive and just accept this sort of behaviour.

“We [at Juve] are aware that Napoli, Roma and Inter will be rivals until the end of the season.

“We know we can do better despite winning most of our games, and that gives us confidence.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon agent dismisses Madrid link

Oct 9, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon’s agent has rubbished recent reports that Real Madrid may target the Juventus shot-stopper.

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Stories have emerged in the Press over the past few weeks that the Spanish giants could be targeting the veteran Italian.

But his representative has insisted that those claims are ‘unfounded’.

“How am I meant to comment on a rumour like that?” Silvano Martina questioned to tuttojuve.

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“I do not know where that has come from, but it is pointless to even consider it.

“All I know is that Real Madrid will be playing Juventus in the Champions League – and that will be the only meeting Buffon will have with Madrid.

“Everything else is absolutely fanciful and unfounded.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon not joining Real Madrid, claims agent

The player's representative has poured cold water on the "unfounded" speculation
linking the veteran Italian shot-stopper with a move to the Spanish giants.

Oct 9, 2013

The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has laughed off speculation linking his client with a move to Real Madrid.

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Reports emanating from Spain recently have suggested that the Blancos are lining up a bid for the veteran Italian, who could face his reported suitors when Antonio Conte's men travel to Madrid for a Champions League clash on October 23.

However, the player's representative, Silvano Martina, has dismissed the notion that the 35-year-old could enjoy regular visits to the Santiago Bernabeu in the future.

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He told TuttoJuve: "How am I meant to comment on a rumour like that? I do not know where it has come from, but it is pointless to even consider it.

"Real Madrid will be playing Juventus in the Champions League - and that will be the only meeting Buffon will have with them."

The Italy international, whose current deal with the Bianconeri expires in 2015, is the world's most expensive goalkeeper after joining the reigning Italian champions in a deal worth €54 million in 2001 from Parma.

[Socrates 8386]

Van der Sar praises Buffon comeback

Oct 9, 2013

Former Juventus goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has hailed the comeback of Gianluigi Buffon who came back from a serious injury picked up in the summer of 2010 which prevented him to play for half of a season.

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Retired goalkeeper van der Sar was the Old Lady’s number one for two seasons until he was forced to leave when the Bianconeri announced Buffon as their new goalkeeper at the start of the 2001/2002 campaign

“I hope everything is fine with Juventus and I also hope to meet the club in the second round of the Champions League with my current club Ajax,” the Dutchman told Sky Sport 24.

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“Buffon? He is still young in his performances, he had an injury three or four years ago but he came back really well.”

Van der Sar joined the Turin club in 1999 and played 66 Serie A matches for the club before he left the club to play for Fulham, and the 42-year-old has since returned to his first club Ajax as a commercial manager.

[Socrates 8386]

'Immortal' Totti can land World Cup spot, claims Buffon

The Juventus shot-stopper has echoed the sentiments of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli
and believes the legendary Roma star deserves a place in the Azzurri's World Cup squad.

Oct 9, 2013

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has championed the idea of coach Cesare Prandelli selecting the "immortal" Francesco Totti for duty in the World Cup next summer.

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The 37-year-old has been touted for a potential return to the international scene after inspiring Roma to their best start to a Serie A campaign, with the Giallorossi sitting top of the standings having collected maximum points from their opening seven fixtures.

On Monday Prandelli confirmed he would consider selecting the legendary Italian should he sustain his performances throughout the season, and Buffon believes that his compatriot's age-defying ability puts him in the frame for selection ahead of the trip to Brazil in June.

"As I've already said, Totti can be considered a sort of immortal player under certain points of view," the 35-year-old told a press conference.

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"His current physical and mental conditions along with his technique and natural skills make him a player able to make the difference in any occasion and at every age.

"Thanks to his performance, Totti is proving once again that he has always been - and he still is - a champion, therefore it's normal that everyone talks about him in such a positive way.

"We also have to say that it's October and the World Cup is close, but it won't take place before eight or nine months.

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"If he is still in the same condition, then, no one would have any doubt."

Totti's last appearance for the national team was in 2006, where he helped the Azzurri to victory over France in the final of the World Cup.

Italy, who have already qualified for Brazil 2014, face Denmark on Friday, before hosting Armenia four days later in their final two fixtures in Group B.

[Socrates 8386]

Italy record-breaker Buffon may go down
as the greatest goalkeeper in history

The veteran surpassed Fabio Cannavaro as the Azzurri’s most capped player against Denmark,
and there is every chance he will be remembered as the finest ever in his position.

Oct 11, 2013

COMMENT
By Carlo Garganese

From the moment Gianluigi Buffon took to a professional pitch for the first time in a baptism of fire against Fabio Capello’s all-conquering AC Milan on November 19, 1995, it was clear that a new phenomenon had been born. At just 17 years of age, Buffon earned Parma a goalless draw with world-class saves from Ballon d'Or winners Roberto Baggio and George Weah, as well as an even better stop from fellow striker Marco Simone.

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Still a teenager, Buffon's stardom was confirmed two years later on his international debut. The Azzurri were contesting a crucial World Cup 1998 first leg play-off in Russia and the omens were not good. Hosted in the freezing Moscow winter, the pitch was covered in snow and mist, and the teams even used an orange ball so appalling were the conditions.

In the 32nd minute, goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca was forced off injured. As regular No.1 Angelo Peruzzi was also unavailable, a lean and lanky 19-year-old stepped into the snow for his Italy bow. Most Italians feared the worst. Everything pointed to a home victory: the weather, the Azzurri’s miserable record in Russia and, most importantly, the presence of a rookie goalkeeper.

Yet Buffon proved to be the saviour and sold himself to the watching world with a string of stunning saves. For someone so young, his personality and confidence shone through as Italy miraculously escaped with a 1-1 draw. Cesare Maldini’s men won the return leg in Naples 1-0 and qualified for France '98.

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Fast forward another 16 years and Buffon is still going strong, having long since established himself as an unequivocal legend of the sport. A key component in Italy’s 2006 World Cup success – where he conceded just two goals in seven games, an own goal and penalty - the 35-year-old has won a hoard of individual and team honours, including six Scudetti and nine Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year awards.

When it comes to positioning, decision-making, aerial ability and organising a defence, Buffon is the greatest there has ever been in his role. The best goalkeepers are usually those who don't need to make saves because they prevent them from being created, not those who are forced into dramatic highlight-reel stops because they are slow off their line or can't arrange a wall competently.

Friday's appearance against Denmark in Copenhagen was Buffon’s 137th for Italy, overtaking former team-mate Fabio Cannavaro as the most capped player in his country's history. The World Cup final acrobatics against Zinedine Zidane, the European Championship penalty stops from Adrian Mutu and Ashley Cole, the miracle scooped saves versus Bulgaria and Georgia – the magical Azzurri moments for Buffon are never-ending.

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And though his reflexes and reactions may not be what they once were, and more Bayern Munich-like errors are creeping into his game, Buffon is still one of the world’s premier shot-stoppers.

In terms of longevity, there has never been a goalkeeper who has been consistently brilliant for so many years. Buffon is set to play in his fifth World Cup next summer. Only two players have ever managed such a feat – Mexico glovesman Antonio Carbajal between 1950 and 1966, and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus from 1982 to 1998.

And don't rule out Buffon from ending his career with a sixth World Cup in 2018 (fittingly in Russia) when he will be 40 – the same age that Dino Zoff was when he captained Italy to glory in 1982.

Together with Lev Yashin and Gordon Banks, for many years Zoff was widely regarded as one of the best three goalkeepers of all time. By the time Buffon hangs up his gloves, he may have overtaken them all.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'I could've joined Barca'

Oct 16, 2013

Gigi Buffon revealed he “could’ve gone to Barcelona” in 2001, but thanks his father for steering him towards Juventus.

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The goalkeeper has become an icon in Turin, staying on even after Calciopoli and their demotion to Serie B.

“Before joining the Bianconeri in 2001, I could’ve gone to Barcelona,” he told Sport Mediaset.

“My father suggested Juventus. I still thank him to this day, as I had many satisfying moments here. The Barcelona back then was not the same team as today.

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“Signing a contract renewal in 2013 was another important step. I decided to stay at Juventus, even though I had an important offer from Eastern Europe that would’ve made anyone wobble.

“I hope to play for a few more years, as long as I will be able to surprise the way I always have done in my career.”

Buffon went back to the beginning and the decision to join Parma as a teenager.

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“I was wanted by Parma, Milan and with more moderate interest also Bologna. My parents did well to choose Parma, as they considered it more suited to a 13-year-old. Any parent, perhaps rightly, would’ve preferred to say their child played for Milan, but they worried about finding the best place for me to grow up.

“My Serie A debut was a dream come true, but then again at the age of 17 I was already an audacious kid. I knew I wouldn’t be a flash in the pan and wanted to write important pages in the history of this sport.

“I won a great deal with Parma, but there are regrets I never won the Scudetto with them. Perhaps we were too young and immature to find the consistency needed.”

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There is another trophy Buffon is yet to win for Juventus or any other club – the Champions League – and next week he’ll face Real Madrid.

“They say Real are not going through a good moment, but the truth is that with their players it doesn’t take much to turn the situation around. It might be unsporting, but I do hope they face us with empty tanks.

“A victory against Real Madrid would boost our self-confidence. We need to start a winning journey in Europe too.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: I nearly joined Barcelona

The experienced goalkeeper claims he spurned the chance to join
the Blaugrana in 2001 in favour of remaining in Serie A with Juventus.

Oct 17, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Barcelona in 2001.

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The Italy international was one of the most sought after shot-stoppers around at the time after a number of impressive seasons with Parma and the Blaugrana were keen to lure him to La Liga.

The Catalans even made an offer for the Italy international, but Buffon ultimately opted to remain in Serie A by joining Juventus - a decision he is adamant he does not regret.

"I could have joined Barcelona in 2001," Buffon told Mediaset.

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"However, I decided to join Juventus after discussing it with my father and I'm still grateful for it. Being at Juventus is a unique experience and has brought me a lot of satisfaction.

"And let's not forget that Barcelona back then were nothing like the team they are now."

The 35-year-old admitted he was thrilled to sign a new contract with the Turin giants earlier this year and is determined to continue playing at the highest level for as long as possible.

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"My contract renewal was another milestone for me. I could have gone to Eastern Europe for a lot of money, but I opted to stay at Juventus.

"I want to keep on playing for many more years and I want to keep on surprising people."

Buffon, who surpassed Fabio Cannavaro's record of 136 international caps for Italy last Friday against Denmark, signed a deal to stay at Juventus until 2015.

[Socrates 8386]

Dino Zoff insists he was better than Gianluigi Buffon

Oct 18, 2013

Italian legend Dino Zoff says he isn’t offended by those insisting he isn’t the best Italian keeper of all time, though he firmly believes he was better between the sticks than current custodian Gianluigi Buffon.

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The current Juventus ‘keeper became the most capped player for the Italian national side with 137 caps, following his appearance against Denmark in the recent World Cup Qualifiers, prompting many to proclaim him as the best glovesman in Italian football history.

“I’m not offended if someone says I’m not the best Italian keeper of all time,” Zoff told Premium Calcio.

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“But to those who say Buffon is better than me, I say no.”

Zoff played 479 times for Juventus, winning six Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia titles, as well as returning to coach the side and win a Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup double. Zoff also won the World Cup with the Azzurri in 1982 and was listed as Italy’s best player of the last 50 years in 2003 by the FIGC.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Casillas is a great champion

The Juventus goalkeeper has hailed his Real Madrid colleague's
professional attitude and is confident he will bounce back.

Oct 21, 2013

Juventus shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon has taken the time to praise Iker Casillas and feels the Real Madrid goalkeeper remains one of the best player in the world in his position.

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The Spain international lost his place as Madrid's number one to Diego Lopez under Jose Mourinho last season and has thus far been unable to displace the former Villarreal stopper under new coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Buffon is surprised to see Casillas occupying a place among the substitutes, but believes his reaction to losing his spot in the team is great testament to his character and is confident the 32-year-old will bounce back.

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"I really admire Iker for who he is. He is still a strong goalkeeper and among the best out there. It is very hard to accept certain situations, but he does just that and I respect that," Buffon was quoted as saying by AS.

"Iker has always been a great champion and great champions always find a way out of negative situations like this. When something like this happens, you draw strength from it.

"I do not know what happened to him last season. I only saw the line-ups. But I think that last term was not just a sporting decision. It had to do with his relationship [with Jose Mourinho].

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"I don't know what the problem is now, but I can say that it's very unusual to see a goalkeeper like Iker on the bench. Iker has only become a better man to me for his reaction."

Casillas has made just two official appearances for Madrid so far this term but could feature in the Blancos' clash with Juve in the Champions League on Wednesday.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon’s recipe for success…

Oct 21, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon has underlined that spending big is not a guarantee for success on the field of play.

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Speaking to AS ahead of this week’s Champions League game at Real Madrid – who spent €100m on Gareth Bale this summer – the veteran said there are many elements to lifting silverware.

“Spending and having lots of money does not mean that by force you can win,” the 35-year-old commented.

“Therefore, projects are needed, patience, work, balance. Of course, having so much money is a good base in which to start, but that alone is not enough.”

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He added: “In the last seven or eight years, Barcelona have surpassed all European clubs in terms of popularity and prestige.

“That is because, ultimately, the real difference and value in a club is shown in winning and Barcelona in recent years have won much.

“It is the same as with the legend of Madrid, from the 1950s when they won many European Cups.”

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Buffon was also asked to comment on the Iker Casillas situation at Real, the Spanish international ‘keeper who is struggling for games.

“I can say that it is very unusual to see a goalkeeper like Casillas on the bench,” the Italian noted. “I do not know what happened last year or this year. I have just seen the line-ups.

“But I think that last year it was not just a technical issue, but relating to other things. I think it was a relationship problem.

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“I really admire Iker. For me, during the moment that I still feel a strong goalkeeper and among the best, it would be hard to accept certain situations. However, he has this merit and I respect that more.

“But in the midst of this discourse we must also have respect for Diego Lopez, who in the end, apart from what he is doing this year, has always been an excellent goalkeeper.

“Iker has always proven to be a great champion and I think that great champions come out of these negative situations by nature.”

[Socrates 8386]

Tacconi stands up for Buffon

Oct 21, 2013

Juventus and Italy are still in safe hands with Gigi Buffon, says former goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi.

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Buffon has had some shaky moments so far this season and questions have been asked of the second goal he conceded in the 4-2 loss at Fiorentina on Sunday.

“These kind of moments can happen,” the ex-Juve and Italy custodian told TMW on Monday afternoon. “You just have to know how to get out of them.

“I hope that Gigi accepts that he too can make a mistake and that he doesn’t feel as if he is invincible. He just has to think about playing.

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“A goalkeeping problem for Cesare Prandelli as well? I don’t think so. What is more important is the organisation of a team. The goalkeeper is a minor issue.”

Asked about Juventus’ collapse in Florence on Sunday, where they lost after going 2-0 up, Tacconi said: “They thought they had already won the game.

“At the start of the second half it was clear that they believed Fiorentina were dead. But that can’t happen in Florence.”

[Socrates 8386]

Prandelli on Buffon

Oct 21, 2013

Cesare Prandelli has called Gianluigi Buffon ‘the best in the world’, despite some criticising the Juventus goalkeeper.

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The veteran Bianconeri man was called up by some sceptics on Sunday after he was at fault for one of Fiorentina’s goal in their 4-2 win.

But the Coach has called the shot-stopper the best in the business.

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“Buffon is the best in the world,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “He will be our goalkeeper at the World Cup.

[Socrates 8386]

Genoa had Buffon deal – Spinelli

Nov 7, 2013

Livorno chief Aldo Spinelli has revealed he almost signed Gigi Buffon while he was in charge of Genoa.

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“Everything was already agreed between us at Genoa and Parma,” Spinelli told Tuttosport on Thursday. “However, Luca Bucci then got injured and Parma would no longer give him to us.”

Buffon, who supported Genoa as a boy, subsequently joined Juventus in 2001 for a fee of around £32m.

The Italian international, however, is coming towards the end of his career given that he is now 35-years-old.

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One of a number of ‘keepers who could one day take his place in the Azzurri net is Livorno youngster Francesco Bardi, who is actually owned by Inter.

“Bardi reminds me of a young Buffon,” the Amaranto owner added. “He has enormous potential. Every week he is being watched by scouts from the two Manchester sides and other clubs.

“I just hope that Samir Handanovic continues to do well at Inter so they decide to let Bardi stay here with us…”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon 'still best in the world'

Nov 7, 2013

Gigi Buffon “is still the best in the world,” insisted the Juventus goalkeeper’s agent.

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The shot-stopper has received an unusual amount of criticism this year, as some say his reactions have slowed considerably.

“Buffon is still the best in the world and one mistake cannot ruin his quality,” Silvano Martina told Radio Crc.

“Pepe Reina is an important goalkeeper who ensured Napoli do not miss Morgan De Sanctis, but I think that with all due respect Buffon is superior to everyone.”

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They will have the chance to face off on Sunday in their Serie A Scudetto battle.

“Juventus and Napoli are two great clubs and I’m sure we will be given a spectacle, even if it’s a shame this match comes after European efforts.

“Napoli are probably the only Italian club who can invest right now and Rafa Benitez is a great Coach.”

[Socrates 8386]

Prandelli would never doubt Buffon

Nov 8, 2013

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has no concerns about the form of Juventus ‘keeper Gigi Buffon with the World Cup on the horizon.

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The 35-year-old was starting to be questioned by pundits after a number of errors in the opening few weeks of the season.

“I don’t think I’ve heard any criticism of him lately,” the CT told Tuttosport on Friday. “Anyhow, I would never doubt Buffon.

“He will be our first choice at the World Cup. Full stop.

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“I am convinced that his personality, his charisma and his desire to be considered as the best in the world will be effective weapons.

“He knows that by playing in the role he does that one mistake will see him finish up in the eye of a storm.”

Buffon has kept a clean sheet in his last three League games, but he will face the threat of Gonzalo Higuain at the weekend when Napoli arrive in Turin.

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Higuain was being chased by Juventus in the summer until the Old Lady turned their attention to Carlos Tevez instead.

“It’s said that a striker can’t do certain things, instead Higuain and Tevez demonstrate that they can be useful to the whole team,” Prandelli continued.

“And I can guarantee that a Coach is as happy when he sees the work rate of a player like Tevez.”

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Neuer not at Buffon's level, says Zoff

The former Italy shot-stopper has taken the time to praise the former
Schalke star, but insists he's not the best in the world just yet.

Nov 15, 2013

Italy legend Dino Zoff believes Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer still has some work to do if he is to reach Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon's level.

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Zoff feels the Germany international is already one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, but has stressed that the Azzurri icon remains in a league of his own for now.

"Neuer is definitely one of the best goalkeepers around in Europe at the moment," Zoff was quoted as saying by TZ ahead of Friday's international friendly between Cesare Prandelli's side and Joachim Low's men.

"He has proven his worth time and time again over the past few years.

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"However, he still misses a number of titles in order to reach Gigi Buffon's level.

"I have no doubt that Neuer will get there in the end, though. He is still very young for a goalkeeper."

The 27-year-old Neuer has been in sublime form for Bayern so far this term, keeping six clean sheets in 12 Bundesliga appearances.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Italy excel under pressure

The Juventus veteran thinks the Azzurri have the quality
to surprise at next year's World Cup if they maintain the right belief.

Nov 16, 2013

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon feels pressure brings out the best in Italy as they continue preparations for the 2014 World Cup.

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The Azzurri battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Germany in Milan on Friday to prolong their impressive unbeaten run against Joachim Low's side.

While he was keen to appear cautious over their chances at next summer's finals, Buffon insists Cesare Prandelli's men can achieve anything if they maintain their level of belief.

"There are certainly those who are at a more advanced stage than we are, but we are still in good shape," the Juventus custodian told reporters.

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"Unlike others, we have the quality of knowing when and how to suffer under pressure. When there is a complicated situation, we tend to do very well indeed.

"However, it's not easy to say what the real Italy are like now. Prandelli is right when he says we mustn't ask for the moon, that we are not the strongest team in the world.

"We've got to go into the World Cup expecting the same as we did before Euro 2012 and the Confederations Cup. That means good performances, often hand-in-hand with good results."

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Italy finished second at the European championship last summer, before coming in third in this year's World Cup dress rehearsal held in Brazil after their semi-final defeat to Spain on penalties.

They will face Nigeria in London on Monday in their next friendly, with the Super Eagles having secured their place in Brazil with Saturday's 4-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia.

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Buffon: Balotelli is not treated unfairly

The Italy international does not believe the striker is subject to prejudice from referees
and warns that the Azzurri will be up for the fight in Brazil next summer.

Nov 17, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon does not believe that there is any prejudice from officials towards Mario Balotelli, insisting the striker is not a victim of refereeing decisions.

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The Italy star felt aggrieved at the lack of protection afforded by referee Olegario Benquerenca in Friday's 1-1 draw with Germany, but Buffon has made it clear the AC Milan star must not consider himself harshly treated as officials attempt to keep the game moving.

"I see no prejudice against Mario," the 35-year-old told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"It's just that now the way games are refereed has changed to prevent them becoming bogged down. Referees tend to whistle less and let the play run more - and I agree with that."

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Italy will not be among the top seeds when the draw for the World Cup group stages takes place on December 6, but Buffon believes the Azzurri proved they are a team to be feared with their display against Germany.

"We might not be the strongest but we can endure as much as anyone," the Juventus shot-stopper added.

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"We've just drawn a type of game that others would lose. You will see the real Italy in Brazil - the problem will be for those who will have to deal with us, not the other way around."

Italy continue their preparations for Brazil 2014 with a friendly against Nigeria, who themselves have secured a World Cup berth, at Fulham's Craven Cottage on Monday.

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Sirigu: 'An honour with Buffon'

Nov 17, 2013

Salvatore Sirigu will start for Italy against Nigeria on Monday. “It’s an honour to wear Gigi Buffon’s jersey.”

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The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper is given the opportunity to impress in an international friendly at Craven Cottage to warm up for the World Cup.

It will be his seventh cap, but the first was also in London against an African side, that time the Ivory Coast in August 2010.

“It’s not difficult for me to be behind Buffon in the pecking order. For someone who grew up with this legend it is satisfying and an honour to be his understudy,” said Sirigu.

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“It is also an honour to be at the Nazionale and to wear the same jersey as someone like Gigi, a player who is simply beyond doubt.

“Maybe if I had stayed in Serie A, I wouldn’t have had the same growth process. Being in France certainly doesn’t damage me when it comes to the Italy jersey, as it doesn’t matter where you play, but rather how you play.

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“I am sure it won’t just be this game, but my work every day that will help Cesare Prandelli evaluate my chances of going to the World Cup and make sure Buffon won’t be too sorely missed if he can’t play.

“Could there be a PSG-Juventus match in the Champions League? That would be exciting, without doubt, but Juve are an organised and very strong side who we’d rather avoid.”

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Buffon: Inter can win Serie A

The Italy international feels the Giuseppe Meazza side can fight
for the title following the arrival of new owner and president Erick Thohir.

Nov 18, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes that Inter have the potential to challenge for the Serie A title this season.

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The Nerazzurri currently sit fourth in the league table following a strong start to the campaign under Walter Mazzarri, but Buffon feels the arrival of Erick Thohir as their new owner and president could prove to be a big boost in their bid to return to the Serie A summit.

"The arrival of Thohir at Inter is a big thing. It signifies a huge change. It's good to see foreign money find its way to Serie A," Buffon told Tuttosport.

"I would say Inter are Scudetto challengers as well now."

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Buffon also insisted champions Juventus have begun the season in very good form, and would be sitting clear at the top were it not for the record-breaking run of Roma.

"The only reason why we are not sitting top of the table is that Roma have been excellent. But so have we, just look at our results," he said.

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"The important thing for us at Juventus is that we will not have any regrets in the end. We always want to give everything and get the best out of ourselves."

Juventus currently sit second in Serie A, trailing leaders Roma - who won their first 10 games in a row - by one point.

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Comparing me with Buffon is unnecessary, says Enyeama

The Nigeria goalkeeper says that he and the Bianconeri star are
from different worlds but is looking forward to clashing with the Azzurri.

Nov 18, 2013

EXCLUSIVE
By Kolade Oni

Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has stressed that he does not feel worthy of comparisons with Italy counterpart Gianluigi Buffon.

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Both shot-stoppers have been key parts of their respective national teams for a number of years and clash on Monday in a friendly at Craven Cottage.

And Enyeama is delighted to be playing against such opposition but believes that he and the Juventus skipper are from "different worlds".

"I am happy that we are playing a high-profile friendly against Italy. We have an opportunity to play against a renowned country and former world and European champions, he told Goal.

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"There is no battle between me and Buffon because we are in two different worlds. He is a good goalkeeper no doubt about that but it would be an unnecessary distraction comparing me with the Italian goalkeeper.

"I expect an exciting match but the battle is beyond two individuals."

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Lucescu: Shakhtar tried for Buffon

Nov 20, 2013

Shakhtar Donetsk boss Mircea Lucescu has claimed that his side tried to sign Gianluigi Buffon before he renewed with the Bianconeri.

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The Italy international signed an extension with the Old Lady earlier this year, but the Romanian Coach has revealed that his team attempted to lure the shot-stopper to Ukraine.

“We tried to sign Buffon,” he told Tuttosport. “But then he renewed with Juve and that was the end of that.

“It would have been a superb signing for us, both on the pitch and our image off it.”

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Lucescu was effusive in his praise for the Turin club and Antonio Conte.

“Juve are a very strong team. If they get out of their Champions League group this year, they can go all the way.

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“Conte’s a man I like. In the future, I’m sure the biggest teams will be after him.

“I think the Scudetto will be between Juve, Napoli and Roma.”

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Buffon: I voted Pirlo, Ronaldo & Messi for Ballon d'Or

The experienced goalkeeper's vote has gone to his compatriot, while he has stressed
that Juventus desperately need three points against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Nov 25, 2013

Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that his Fifa Ballon d'Or vote has gone to Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo, with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona star Lionel Messi completing the shot-stopper's personal podium.

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Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has also been tipped to win the prestigious individual trophy, but Buffon feels Pirlo and the Liga duo have done more to earn his vote than the Frenchman.

"The Ballon d'Or? This is how I have voted: Pirlo first, Ronaldo second and Messi third," Buffon was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

The 35-year-old then went on to discuss Juve's Champions League match against Copenhagen and stressed that the Serie A champions cannot afford to slip-up against the Danish outfit.

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"Any other result than a win will be a problem. We are convinced that we will do well. We are in great form at the moment and intend to keep that up. We are focused enough to get a good result,"he continued.

"We desperately need the win ahead of the trip to Galatasaray. We can only think about Galatasaray after this week's game, though."

Juventus currently sit fourth in Group B with three points from four games.