Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon makes 500th Serie A appearance

Nov 25, 2013

Sunday saw another landmark day in the career of Italian goalkeeping great Gianluigi Buffon as he made his 500th Serie A appearance during Juventus’ 2-0 win over Livorno at the Stadio Armando Picchi.

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Buffon, 35, was initially a product of Parma’s youth system and made his debut in Italy’s top flight in the 1995-96 season as a 17-year-old, when he helped the Gialloblù to a goalless draw at home to eventual champions AC Milan.

He established himself as the Emilia-Romagna side’s number one the following season and went on to make 168 Serie A appearances for them, also winning the Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup and Supercoppa Italiana during a highly successful 1999 for the club.

In the summer of 2001, following another highly impressive season, La Vecchia Signora splashed out €51 million to secure his services in a deal which to this day remains the highest ever transfer fee paid for a goalkeeper.

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Buffon has remained at the Turin giants ever since, making a further 332 Serie A appearances in the process and winning the Scudetto on four occasions.

He has also picked up World Cup and Serie B winners medals over a glittering career and this latest accomplishment means that he is now joint 12th in the list of all-time Serie A appearance makers.

He is also the first goalkeeper to reach the milestone.

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Players to have made 500 or more Serie A appearances:

1. Paolo Maldini (647)

2. Javier Zanetti (604)

3. Gianluca Pagliuca (592)

4. Dino Zoff (570)

5. Pietro Vierchowod (562)

6. Francesco Totti (543)

7. Roberto Mancini (541)

8. Silvio Piola (537)

9. Enrico Albertosi (532)

10. Gianni Rivera (527)

11. Beppe Bergomi (519)

12. Ciro Ferrara (500)

= Gianluigi Buffon (500)

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon up for FIFA/FIFPro World XI

Dec 2, 2013

Juventus and Italy’s Gigi Buffon is one of five goalkeepers shortlisted for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI of 2013.

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FIFPro and FIFA today announced that Buffon will be rivalled by Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas, Petr Cech of Chelsea, Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer and Barcelona’s Victor Valdes for the gloves in the fantasy team.

The FIFA XI will be revealed in full on January 13, 2014, in Zurich.

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon: Pogba will renew Juventus contract

The France international has reportedly piqued the interest of Real Madrid
but his skipper is adamant that the 20-year-old is poised to extend his stay in Turin.

Dec 4, 2013

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that Paul Pogba is on the verge of signing a new contract with the club.

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The France international only arrived in Turin on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 but has already established himself as one of the finest young midfielders in the world and, consequently, reportedly attracted the interest of Real Madrid.

However, Buffon is in no doubt that Pogba will extend his stay at Juventus Stadium, claiming the 20-year-old is all but certain to follow the lead of team-mate Arturo Vidal, who agreed a new deal with the Italian champions on Tuesday.

"Pogba? You will see soon that he will also renew [his contract]," the Bianconeri goalkeeper is quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

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"If a player who has as many offers like Arturo decides to tie himself to Juventus for such a long time, it's a very clear signal and it means that there is an important and solid project here.

"There is a conviction among the most important players in the squad that in the future we can achieve the same great results as in recent years."

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon believes Pogba will sign

Dec 4, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon is confident that Paul Pogba will follow Arturo Vidal’s lead and sign an extension at Juventus.

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Vidal penned a new deal with the Bianconeri on Tuesday that keeps him in Turin until 2017.

And the goalkeeper has claimed that the French midfielder, who was recently named as the best under-21 player in Europe, will join his Chilean teammate.

“If Arturo, with all the offers he had, signed with Juve, it means there is an important project here,” he told Tuttosport.

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“It means that the best, most decorated players, believe they can achieve everything in the game here.

“And I think you’ll see that with Pogba. I don’t know when [he will sign] but I’m sure it’s just a matter of days.”

Buffon then commented on next summer’s World Cup and the Scudetto challenge that comes before it with the Bianconeri.

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“I hope the World Cup lasts as long as possible for us. There are three or four teams that are stronger than us, but no team knows how to fight like Italy.

“Roma have been a big surprise. If they find continuity, they can fight all the way until the last week.”

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon: 'Hart, leave Man City!'

Dec 8, 2013

Gigi Buffon warned England goalkeeper Joe Hart he should leave Manchester City if he wants to be at the World Cup.

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The Italy and Juventus shot-stopper spoke to the Mail on Sunday about the lack of confidence in Hart’s abilities.

“There is usually an order in which you do these things; you normally play for your club and then you play for your national team.

“To try to play for your national team when you're not playing for your club will become a struggle in the end.

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“A player such as Iker Casillas can do it because he has great experience of victory and incredible value as a goalkeeper. But they are very few, those who could succeed in playing for their national team while not playing for their club.

“As soon as he can start playing regularly again, in my opinion, he can go back to playing as well as he did before, if not better.”

Buffon admitted Hart should consider quitting Manchester City if manager Manuel Pellegrini continues to shun him in the crucial months leading up to the World Cup.

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“These are personal choices. They depend on desire and aspiration. They depend on the aspirations of the player. And they depend on the desire of the player to bring his aspirations into the discussion.”

Italy play their opening World Cup game against England in Manaus on June 14, though the kick-off time was brought forward by FIFA under pressure from television companies.

It will now begin at 18.00 local time, 23.00 in the UK and midnight in Italy.

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“We are competition animals. However we play in between tournaments, we always come good in the tournaments themselves,” added Buffon.

“It doesn't matter that we're not quite where we want to be right now, in terms of our recent form. You will see the best of Italy by the time we kick off at the World Cup.”

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon shares out Juventus credit

Dec 16, 2013

Gigi Buffon insists he is not the only reason why Juventus have now kept eight League clean sheets in a row.

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The Old Lady beat Sassuolo 4-0 on Sunday which allowed the custodian to extend his unbeaten record in goal to 730 minutes.

“The credit has to go all round for our eight straight victories without conceding,” the Italian international noted.

“This also goes to our strikers – who are our first defenders.”

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Buffon hasn’t picked the ball out of the net domestically since Giuseppe Rossi netted past him in a 4-2 win for Fiorentina. The Viola’s four goals all came in the space of 16 second half minutes.

Juventus dominated in Turin on Sunday, just a matter of days after their Champions League dream vanished in the snow of Istanbul.

“It was a great response after Wednesday,” Buffon added. “It seems like it’s always taken for granted, but that’s certainly not the case and to win you always have to suffer.

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“We were stung by the elimination, but know there's another trophy – the Europa League – which we’ll do our best to win in Turin.”

The Europa League draw for the last 32 and 16 will take place later today.

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon not giving up on Champions League dream

The veteran shot-stopper remains desperate to win the one piece
of silverware missing from his trophy cabinet before he ends his career.

Dec 17, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon refuses to give up on his dream of winning the Champions League.

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The Italy international came close to winning European club football's elite competition in 2002-03 when the Turin giants were eventually beaten by AC Milan on penalties, but Buffon has failed to come close in the past decade.

The Bianconeri were seen as one of the dark horses to win the competition this year, but failed to progress from the group stages as Real Madrid and Galatarasaray proved to be too strong.

Nevertheless, Buffon remains hopeful of winning the Champions League before the end of his distinguished career.

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"I dream about winning the Champions League and have been doing so for ages. I was dreaming about it as a kid and during my 17 years as a professional. It's my main goal and I hope that I can fulfil my dream," the 35-year-old told Corriere dello Sport.

"We already have a team that can do a good job in Europe. We are competitive and we could do well in the Champions League, but teams like Bayern, Madrid and Barcelona have a few more stars.

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"We showed this year that we have the potential to do well, but we have to focus on other things again now."

Juventus finished third in their Champions League group to qualify for the Europa League round of 32, where they will meet Trabzonspor.

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon sixth in all-time list

Dec 23, 2013

Only five goalkeepers have remained unbeaten in Serie A for longer than Gigi Buffon after the Juventus man finally conceded following 745 minutes.

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The custodian had kept eight clean sheets in a row until Maxi Moralez scored past him in Juventus’ 4-1 win at Atalanta.

Another clean sheet in Bergamo would have seen him jump up to third in the all-time list, but he now joins Luca Marchegiani in sixth.

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1. Rossi (Milan) 929 minutes 1993-94
2. Zoff (Juve) 903 minutes 1972-73
3. Da Pozzo (Genoa) 791 minutes 1963-64
4. Pelizzoli (Roma) 774 minutes 2003-2004
5. Pinato (Atalanta) 757 minutes 1996-97
6. Marchegiani (Lazio) 745 minutes 1997-98
6. Buffon (Juve) 745 minutes 2013-2014
8. De Sanctis (Roma) 744 minutes 2013-2014
9. Reginato (Cagliari) 712 minutes 1966-67
10. Handanovic (Udinese) 704 minutes 2010-2011

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon hails Conte and Azzurri

Dec 28, 2013

Gigi Buffon praised the team spirit at Juventus, Antonio Conte’s leadership and believes in Italy’s World Cup chances.

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The goalkeeper will resume training in Turin tomorrow and spoke to Sky Sport Italia about his plans for 2014.

“The World Cup is an incredibly difficult tournament and one that is almost impossible to win,” said the man who took the trophy in 2006.

“If in that period we create a team spirit, a unity of intents and generally optimal fitness levels, then we could well hold out for seven games and maybe even win.

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“The group with Uruguay, England and Costa Rica is tough, certainly more difficult than some groups, but on a par with others.”

Today in Dubai Juventus boss Conte received the award as Coach of the Year and Buffon agreed with the vote.

“The credit our Coach deserves for these last two and a half years is incredible and we can’t really know how much of it was down to him and how much to us players.

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“He was fantastic at helping to motivate us, poke us and give us a precise football identity. In terms of individuals, there have been stronger Juve sides, but this is certainly the one with the best team spirit and that way the overall level of football is raised.”

The Bianconeri had finished seventh in Serie A for two years running until Conte took over and immediately won the Scudetto while unbeaten.

He added a second Serie A title and is currently five points clear of Roma at the top of the table.

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon tips Ribery to edge out Ronaldo
for Ballon d'Or, but Messi is still the best

The Juventus captain feels that while both the Frenchman and the Portuguese have had
better years, the Argentina international is still the greatest talent on the planet.

Dec 29, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon believes Franck Ribery will pip Cristiano Ronaldo to this year's Ballon d'Or but claims that Lionel Messi remains by far and away the best player in the world.

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The trio have been shortlisted for the prestigious individual accolade, which will be presented at a special ceremony in Zurich on January 13.

Buffon goes along with the common consensus that the award will either go to Ribery, a treble winner with Bayern Munich, or Ronaldo, who hit 69 goals for Real Madrid this year, particularly in light of Messi's injury-interrupted 2013.

However, the Italy international still feels that whatever the outcome of the vote, the Argentine is still the most talented footballer in the game today.

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"I believe that the victories affect a lot," Buffon mused in an interview with Sky Sport Italia. "So, in this sense, it would advantage Ribery, who as well as having won titles, was also decisive in many Bayern victories. He's a great champion.

"At the moment, however, I think that Cristiano Ronaldo has something more than the others - even if the strongest by far remains Messi."

Meanwhile, Buffon insists that while he was bitterly disappointed by Juventus' shock elimination in the group stages of this season's Champions League after a controversial 1-0 loss to Galatasaray on the final matchday, he still believes that the Italian champions are moving in the right direction.

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"At the end of the day, in more than 100 years of history, Juve have won two European Cups - not 25," the veteran shot-stopper pointed out. "Sometimes you have to have good fortune at the right time.

"But, for me, the road that we have taken leaves me very hopeful for the future."

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon calls for 'severe' punishment for racism

The Juventus keeper insists most supporters are not motivated by racial aggression
when they chant during matches and feels many players are too young to be seen as role models.

Dec 30, 2013

Juventus veteran Gianluigi Buffon has called for racism in football to be punished "severely", though he believes most supporters are not guilty of the offence.

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Juventus were fined €30,000 for racist chants from fans during a clash with AC Milan in April, while Lazio and Inter have been hit with stadium bans in the past 12 months for similar offences.

While Buffon insists most supporters are not motivated by racial or regional discrimination when singing from the stands, he believes action must be taken against those who are found guilty.

"I don't think fans are acting on racial hatred. Even when they offend the opponent with their shouts, I think the intention is to be heard, to emphasise their dissent," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

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"I was one of them, I sang backing vocals when I was little. I know the spirit in which the songs are made. And with players of other races within the teams, it wouldn't make sense.

"But I think it is fair to severely punish certain forms of intolerance. I did not presume to fully understand this kind of abuse, I cannot have the same sensitivity as those affected by these attacks.

"The line between teasing and denigration is very thin."

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Buffon also believes footballers must not be held up as sole role models in the matter of racial tolerance, insisting many players are too young to be handed such a responsibility.

"We know we have the power to influence others. But it is not up to us to educate people, the responsibility is not fair because many of us are young," added the Italy veteran.

"It is clear that, on issues related to fans and racist chanting, sometimes it is appropriate to send a message."

[Socrates 8441]

Zoff: Buffon still the best

The legendary Italian goalkeeper insists that the 35-year-old
remains one of the world’s best between the posts.

Dec 30, 2013

Former Juventus goalkeeper Dino Zoff believes that Gianluigi Buffon is still one of the best in the world and is worried about the next generation of Italian keepers.

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Zoff, who made 112 appearances for Italy and over 300 for the Bianconeri, has been speaking out about the plight of young goalkeepers coming through in the game.

“Gigi is at the top in Italy, in Europe and throughout the world. He is the best,” said Zoff, speaking to Corriere dello Sport.

“For a while there were (Andrea) Consigli and (Antonio) Mirante, who are no longer kids. It struck me, in a positive sense, the choice of Genoa to continue betting on (Mattia) Perin. This gives confidence to a goalkeeper so young.”

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The 71-year-old put the dearth of emerging young keepers down to the responsibility that now comes with the role.

"With the pressures that come from the Italian football environment our children lose their desire. It is the role that all others, including team-mates, discharge responsibility of.

"A boy must feel the passion, you can't force it. I'd say don't be afraid of making mistakes,” he added.

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Zoff also admitted that new ball technology has made it harder for goalkeepers in the modern day.

“The material of the ball is more elastic, players can change the trajectory of the shot. Goalkeepers are afraid of being wrong.”

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon on racist chants & gay players

Dec 30, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has offered his opinion on the recent spate of ‘territorial discriminatory’ chants that have blighted Serie A.

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Several sides, including Juventus, have seen sections of their stadium closed this season due to chants against southern clubs.

But the goalkeeper has insisted that fans are not acting in hatred, but just urging to be heard.

“Racism is an important issue,” he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “I believe that human beings strive to find the difference between themselves and another race.

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“Or, if in Italy, themselves and a citizen of another region. I think that the comparison can help us fight it though.

“I don’t think the fans are acting out of hatred – I just think the goal is to be heard and emphasize the dissent.

“I know the spirit in which they are made. I used to be one of those fans.

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“I think it’s fair to severely punish for some forms of intolerance. I do not presume to fully understand the kind of abuse some players get.

“I can’t have the same sensitivity to those who are affected by the attacks, but punishment is important for the image of Italian football.”

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Buffon concluded by commented on the issue of gay players – or lack thereof.

“I don’t think I have ever played with a homosexual player. But if Juve bought one, my only wish is that he’d win us games.”

[Socrates 8441]

Zoff: 'Perin is Buffon's heir'

Dec 31, 2013

Italy legend Dino Zoff believes Mattia Perin “will be the heir” to Gigi Buffon, who remains “the best goalkeeper in the world.”

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The 1982 World Cup winner cast his eye over the current shot-stopper situation in the Azzurri camp.

“Buffon is the best goalkeeper in Italy, in Europe and also in the world,” Zoff told the Corriere dello Sport.

“Andrea Consigli and Antonio Mirante are also very talented, but they are no longer particularly young.

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“If I have to choose an heir to Gigi in the Nazionale, I’d pick Perin of Genoa. The future belongs to him.”

Perin turned 21 last month, but has been consistently ignored by the Italy Under-21 side in favour of Livorno’s Francesco Bardi.

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon praises Conte and Juventus team spirit

Jan 3, 2014

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has hailed Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte and spoke on the good team spirit at Juve.

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The Italian shot-stopper commented on the recent Coach of the Year award given to Conte, stating his agreement with the award.

“The credit our coach deserves for these last two and a half years is incredible and we can’t really know how much of it was down to him and how much to us players,” he told Sky Sport.

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“He was fantastic at helping to motivate us, poke us and give us a precise football identity.

“In terms of individuals, there have been stronger Juve sides, but this is certainly the one with the best team spirit and that way the overall level of football is raised.”

[Socrates 8441]

Neuer ends Casillas' reign as World's Best Goalkeeper

The Bayern Munich ace beat Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon to the annual award,
which had been won by Real Madrid's out-of-favour shot-stopper for the past five years.

Jan 7, 2014

Manuel Neuer has been named as the World's Best Goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).

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The 27-year-old shot-stopper, who won five trophies with Bayern Munich in 2013, while at the same time helping Germany qualify for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, was the clear victor of the vote, which brings together editors and experts from 70 countries.

Neuer finished with 211 points, a staggering 133 clear of his closes rival, Italy and Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon, who has four previous triumphs to his name.

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Chelsea's Petr Cech finished third, just ahead of the Blues' Thibaut Courtois, who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Victor Valdes, who is to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, came home fifth, with Real Madrid's out-of-favour goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who had won the award for the past five years, claiming sixth place.

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon: We won't stop

Jan 10, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that his Juventus side ‘will not stop’ in their bid for a third successive Scudetto.

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The Bianconeri travel to face Cagliari this weekend, knowing that three points could pull them 11 points clear of second place Roma.

And the goalkeeper has insisted that his men are fully focused on claiming another League title.

“I feel great physically and full of confidence,” he told JTV. “The wins are certainly helping in this regard!

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“This stretch of consecutive wins has filled us with energy – but we will not stop or rest on our laurels.

“On January 28 I’ll be 36-years-old – but I’m not satisfied. The criticism I received pushes me to do better.”

The shot-stopper then reflected on the fondest moments in his career.

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“Winning the League in Trieste,” he said. “The entire Curva supported me after I made a mistake against Lecce that almost cost us the title.

“That was important for me – it was a delicate moment, but we got through it.”

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon: Juventus cannot slow down

The experienced shot-stopper has urged his team-mates to remain
focused and has stressed that he is not thinking about retiring yet.

Jan 11, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Juventus cannot afford to slow down if they are to win silverware in 2013-14.

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The Turin giants currently sit top of the Serie A table with 49 points from 18 games, holding an eight-point lead over second-placed Roma.

Nevertheless, Buffon has warned that the Bianconeri must remain focused in order to hold off their rivals.

"We need to keep our foot on the accelerator now more than ever," the Italy international, 35, told the official Juventus website.

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The veteran goalkeeper then went on to discuss his future and made it clear that he's not thinking about retiring just yet.

"I turn 36 on 28 January, but I’m still hungry for more.

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"Maintaining my physical fitness is key, but above all I hope to make sure I always deserve that No.1 spot."

Buffon has a contract with Juventus until June 2015.

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon: 'Insinuations amuse me'

Jan 12, 2014

Gigi Buffon again slammed those who criticise Serie A leaders Juventus. “Insinuations actually please me.”

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The goalkeeper had already pointed out suggestions the Bianconeri win with ‘help’ was used as a ready excuse for those lacking their level of success.

“The fact there are still people today making insinuations on our victories actually pleases me in a way, because it means Juve are back to scaring the opposition,” smiled Buffon on JTV.

“As I already said, that is the alibi for those who do not win and the best justification they can give to their fans.

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“Juve have the same role as the butler in a murder mystery – he always did it! Now that I am 36, all of this doesn’t touch me. In fact, it makes me quite proud.”

The title holders can notch up a record 11th consecutive victory this afternoon when they visit Cagliari.

“Last season, between Christmas and New Year, we had a 10-point advantage over second place. In January we struggled and Napoli caught us up. We learned from that experience and are keeping our foot firmly on the accelerator.

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“Udinese caused us a huge amount of trouble on home turf, because they have a great tactician. I must also say Roma impressed me for 50-60 minutes. Fiorentina are the only side who beat us, though on top of their talents, we gave them a helping hand that day.

“I am happy with what I’m doing and what I have done, but I am not remotely sated. That is what pushes me on to keep improving. I always want a new challenge.

“I’m sure there will be a new Buffon, maybe someone even better than me. He has probably been born and is already in training as we speak. He may well be deciding whether or not to become a goalkeeper.

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“There are some very good goalkeepers out there, like Nicola Leali, Mattia Perin and Francesco Bardi.

“I am very proud to be the captain of Juventus and never would’ve believed it a few years ago. At times I try to avoid thinking about being a reference point for the fans and teammates, just in case the enormity of it intimidates me.

“The initial criticism was excessive, but when you have a lot of experience it’s the type of thing that wakes you up, makes you feel alive again and want to prove yourself all over. This is the essence of our job, the essence of being a top level sportsman.”

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Buffon also remembered back to his howler against Lecce, when he let a timid shot slip through his grasp, two years ago in Turin.

“A second after the ball rolled into the net, I heard the chants of support and affection from the crowd. It was priceless.”

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon: Juventus will do well
in Champions League next term

The veteran goalkeeper is already looking forward to next year's
European campaign and wants another Scudetto this season.

Jan 13, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon is confident that Juventus will do well in the Champions League next season after they failed to impress this term.

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The Serie A champions had to settle for third spot in their group behind Real Madrid and Galatasaray as they crashed out before the knockout rounds and Buffon has admitted that they have not been good enough in Europe this campaign.

However, the experienced goalkeeper has little doubt that head coach Antonio Conte can guide them to success in 2014-15.

"We know the best way to approach games with all of the Italian sides," the 35-year-old told the official Bianconeri website.

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"Maybe in Europe something different is required, but we have a coach who’s so well prepared that next year he’ll be able to find the solution."

The Italy international then went on to discuss Juventus' short-term ambitions and stressed that the Serie A title is their main objective.

"Our next objective is winning the Scudetto, the third in a row. Almost 80 years have passed since we last did that."

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon: Fiorentina motivated us

Jan 14, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon says that the manner of defeat to Fiorentina in Week 8 helped kickstart Juventus’ record-breaking 11-game winning run.

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The Bianconeri have set a new club record for consecutive wins in Serie A with their 4-1 result at Cagliari on Sunday.

According to their goalkeeper, motivation to go on this run stemmed from the last time they were defeated domestically, 4-2 in Florence back in October.

“Fiorentina was a bit paradoxical, because, if I’m not mistaken, it was only the eighth game of the season - we had six wins, a draw and one defeat,” considered Buffon on Tiki Taka this week.

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“To me, the reaction afterwards was a little exaggerated. However, it is also true that we have been doing well since because since that disastrous day, we took the energy and the righteous frustration to be able to put together these victories.

“Perhaps, if we had not lost in such a manner, we would not be talking now about 11 consecutive wins.”

Buffon was asked of the squad and its Coach’s motivation to increase the run further, with Antonio Conte commented recently that to extend it would make it harder to beat for future teams.

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“It is true, I think that when you experience such situations, like this positive one, perhaps you do not understand the magnitude of what you are doing, you know, or maybe you will understand in a few years.

“Thus, you lose the flavour and the importance of being able to continue, to still improve this record. Eventually, if there is 80 years between breaking records for victories at Juventus, it is clear that we do not take the next games lightly, in all likelihood we could increase this record.

“Is this the best Juve? This is the Juve, together with the second year under Marcello Lippi, that plays the best football. The team under Capello was the most clinical and probably the one that was stronger for its individuals.”

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Juve lead Roma by eight points in the title race and Napoli back in third by 10 points, but Buffon isn’t ruling them out.

“I tell you the truth, I respect them a lot because they both came to Turin and, even though they lost, had played the game head on, proving to have an identity.

“Napoli are playing a European style of football, conscious of their own beliefs and abilities. In the long term this will pay off.

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“Roma for 60 minutes and up to 2-0 before the red cards, they were a team that if we did not face up to them with due caution, as we did, I think we would have suffered. We were good to have had patience.”

Antonio Conte was labelled by director general Beppe Marotta yesterday as capable of becoming Juve’s equivalent to Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I believe so, also because I believe that the characteristics of the Coach are those of our club, I think it really is a perfect combination.”

[Socrates 8441]

‘Allegri should have quit sooner’

Jan 14, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon believes Max Allegri was a scapegoat for Milan’s struggles and suggests he should have quit the Rossoneri when the chance was there.

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The tactician was heavily linked with an exit from San Siro in the summer, but stayed on only to be fired on Monday after a miserable first half to the season concluded with a 4-3 defeat at Sassuolo.

“Sometimes they look for scapegoats to put in place and feed the fans,” Juventus man Buffon has reflected on Tiki Taka this week.

“It was not always so - if Allegri has a fault it is that he did not have the courage to walk away when for over a year he had suffered attacks from inside that were unjustified and too much for what he could do with the squad he had.”

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Buffon was asked about Allegri’s second season with Milan, which saw them finish second to Juventus and was the season in which Sulley Muntari saw a goal infamously disallowed in a League match with the Bianconeri.

“When Inter won all those championships in a row, I never wondered what would happen if Juve had been there.

“With Milan, you have to take the story for what it was. The championship was still wide open and there were many games to go.

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“If we won the Scudetto then it was because we deserved it.”

Buffon also considered in this interview a number of topics, including motivation for Juve’s club-record 11-game winning streak, and co-owned Bianconero Domenico Berardi’s chances of making the Italy squad this summer.

“Definitely he is a 19-year-old kid who has left an imprint so important in a game like that against Milan, but he has also left a mark with every goal that he has scored with Sassuolo.

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“He has qualities out of the ordinary. And I do not think that Italy has enough talent to leave him in the shade.”

It was a similar impression, says the goalkeeper that Paul Pogba immediately left his Juve teammates upon arriving at the club in 2012 from Manchester United.

“Pogba is one of those players that leaves you speechless. But I must say that after three-four training sessions…when no-one had really spoken to him, we saw him from being unknown, introduce himself.

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“After three or four workouts, we looked at each other as if to say: ‘in Manchester they are certain to have seen how good he is too, or perhaps someone has had vision problems?’

“We were immediately impressed.”

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon: Pogba could win Ballon d'Or

The 35-year-old believes his Juventus team-mate has the potential to win Fifa's
prestigious award in the future, while his vote for the 2013 honour went to Andrea Pirlo.

Jan 14, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has the ability to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

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Buffon named his team-mate Andrea Pirlo as his No.1 selection this year, and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi as his second and third choices, respectively.

However, the Italy international feels midfielder Pogba has the potential to win the prize and has questioned Manchester United's judgement in allowing the 20-year-old to join the Turin club.

"I voted for Pirlo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi," Buffon told Italia 1. "Pirlo because he is the best in his role, Ronaldo because he was the best in 2013, Messi because he is the best of all time.

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"In the future I could vote for Pogba. He is one of those players that leaves you open-mouthed.

"Myself and my team-mates, even in the third or fourth training session with him when he was still a stranger, wondered if they can see well in Manchester."

Buffon, who has had spells with Parma as well as Juventus, has won every honour in the Italian domestic game and was part of the Italy side that claimed their fourth World Cup title in 2006.

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But the Champions League trophy has continued to elude the 35-year-old, who came closest in 2003's penalty-shootout loss to Milan in the final.

And, with Juve eliminated in the group stage of this season's competition, Buffon doubts whether his team will win the tournament during his time at the club.

"Compared to big clubs in Europe, there's still a little something lacking," he explained.

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"When we met Bayern Munich last year, I realised that there was something still to be filled.

"Conte is sure we will win the Champions League. I had this thought 20 years ago, but it has certainly began to waver a bit."

[Socrates 8441]

'Are they blind?' - Buffon questions
Manchester United over Pogba sale

The 35-year-old believes that the Frenchman has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or,
while explaining why his vote for the 2013 prize went to Andrea Pirlo.

Jan 15, 2014

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes Manchester United must be blind not to have recognised the astonishing talent of team-mate Paul Pogba.

AMAZONIAN

The France international refused to sign a new contract at Old Trafford after becoming frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson, and left for Turin on a free transfer in the summer of 2012.

Buffon believes the 20-year-old Pogba is a future Ballon d'Or winner and cannot understand why United did so little to keep him.

"I voted for Pirlo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi [in the 2013 Ballon d'Or vote]," the Italy skipper told Italia 1.

AMAZONIAN

"Pirlo because he is the best in his role, Ronaldo because he was the best in 2013, Messi because he is the best of all time.

"In the future I could vote for Pogba. He is one of those players that leaves you open-mouthed.

"Myself and my team-mates, even in the third or fourth training session with him when he was still a stranger, wondered if they are blind in Manchester."

AMAZONIAN

Buffon has won every honour in the Italian domestic game and was part of the Italy side who claimed their fourth World Cup title in 2006, but the Champions League trophy has continued to elude the 35-year-old, who came closest to it in a penalty-shootout loss to AC Milan in the 2003 final.

And, with Juve eliminated in the group stage of this season's competition, Buffon doubts whether his team will win the tournament during his time there.

AMAZONIAN

"Compared to big clubs in Europe, there's still a little something lacking," he remarked. "When we met Bayern Munich last year, I realised that there was something still to be filled.

"Conte is sure we will win the Champions League. I had this thought 20 years ago but it has certainly began to waver a bit."

[Socrates 8441]

Buffon ‘no more worried about Roma’

Jan 27, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon says that he is no more worried about Roma’s title challenge than he was before the latest round of Serie A matches.

AMAZONIAN

Buffon was sent off in Juve’s 1-1 draw with Lazio on Saturday and the Giallorossi took full advantage, seeing off Hellas Verona 3-1 to cut La Vecchia Signora’s lead at the top of the table to six points.

“The situation worries me in the same way as it did before, except that we have two points less of an advantage” commented the 35-year-old.

“We knew already that Roma were a strong team.”

AMAZONIAN

Sunday’s draw represented Juve’s second consecutive game without a win, but Buffon ‘laughed at’ suggestions that alarm bells may be ringing at the Juventus Stadium.

Despite his dismissal at the weekend, the Italian No 1 also talked of his improved relationship with match officials on the whole.

AMAZONIAN

“For me the referees are doing very well. We also have a nice on-field dialogue which helps.

“As far as sendings-off go, the rules are harsh. The referees only apply them though so it’s not their fault.”