Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Tough year against Roma

Sep 25, 2014

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon says Roma will fight for the Scudetto until the end, but that his team wants to go on amazing their supporters.

The 36-year-old, speaking at an event on the theme of sexual education, discussed Juve’s Capitoline rivals, who at the start of this term are level with the Bianconeri on four wins from four.

“It's going to be tough to repeat our feats against this Roma team,” Buffon has told reporters gathered.

“The duel has been going on for a year now, and the Giallorossi earned their spot at the top of the table next to us.

“Roma will be fighting for the title to the end,” stated Buffon. “They have the kind of strength and confidence that you acquire with victories and performances.

“They are stronger now but we're not loosening our grip. I think this situation has made the League a lot more compelling.”

The goalkeeper was quick to brush aside the question of whether Juventus are stronger this year compared to last.

“These aren't comparisons to be made. I have too much experience to answer questions that, however legitimate they may be, are also a bit slanted and specious.

“I'll just say that Conte's Juve was fantastic and that I hope we can repeat, with Allegri, what we did with Conte. We're certainly on the right path.

“As for Allegri, he already had experience in great teams, he was always good at handling pressure from the media and the clubs. He's a Coach that always gives you certainties.

“We're serious players, we care about our jobs and we feel the responsibilities that come with the shirt.”

When asked whether his team felt more serene now, he responded: “It's not about being serene, we want to go on amazing if this is possible. After all, victory is always an important stimulant.”

[Socrates 8386]

Tacchinardi: Buffon Keen To Play For A Long Time

Sep 25, 2014

Ex-Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi says that former teammate and Bianconeri star Gianluigi Buffon wants to continue playing for a long time.

The legendary Azzurri shotstopper turns 37 in January, but Tacchinardi told Mediaset Premium that he is not even thinking about retirement.

“Buffon wants to be a player for a long time with Juventus and with the national team,” Tacchinardi said.

“Nicola Leali the heir to Buffon? It’s hard to say now. Leali has quality, but this year he has to show he has the character to succeed in the Serie A.

“He is a keeper for the future, he will do well in his career.”

Leali is currently on loan to Cesena from Juventus for this season, and has started all four games so far.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon set for 2017 deal

Sep 29, 2014

Juventus and Gianluigi Buffon are reported as close to agreeing a new contract together through to June 2017.

The veteran club and Italy captain has been in talks with the Bianconeri over a new deal for a number of weeks, with speculation centred over the terms of the deal and specifically its potential length.

However, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport today indicate that a deal is close to being formalised and that it will be a two-year extension to take Buffon and Juve forward to June 2017.

[Socrates 8386]

Juve’s ‘pensioner’ leads by example

Carlos Tevez stole the headlines with his brace but as Luca Cetta explains,
Gianluigi Buffon showed why he remains significant to Juventus.

Sep 29, 2014

It didn’t have to be pretty – and for a long time it wasn’t – but Juventus got the job done in Bergamo. The Bianconeri faced a different type of challenge on Saturday yet continued down their early season path all the same. With Roma throwing down the gauntlet, victory was imperative. Thanks to man-of-the-moment Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata, plus a major contribution from Gigi Buffon in between, it was mission accomplished.

Atalanta did not allow Juventus to dictate the flow and the first half proved an evenly-fought contest. The Bergamaschi set out to press Juve and restrict both Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci as Stefano Colantuono admitted later. The midfielder’s stats tell the story, not seeing as much of the ball as usual to leave his final tally of 48 passes well below his season average. So often in Andrea Pirlo’s absence the player to dictate tempo, Marchisio was well-shackled by Richmond Boayke.

Juve had to go another way and make their possession count. Tevez did just that, finishing a move involving Fernando Llorente and the barnstorming Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Spaniard may not have the goals to back it up, but he has been an important figure in attack.

Juve eventually knocked the Orobici black and blue, but it took 60 seconds of incredible football to grab the ascendancy. They have their imperious goalkeeper to thank for swinging the game after Giorgio Chiellini’s foul on Salvatore Molina sent German Denis to the penalty spot. His low effort was parried by SuperGigi. “After that we had to react and score straight away, which thankfully we did,” Tevez commented.

The Turin club took the ball forward for Apache to net his 23rd Serie A goal in just 38 appearances. The Argentine may not be able to convince his country, but there’s no doubting his significance to Juve. And with the Old Lady in control Morata opened his account in the final moments.

But it’s that spot-kick save which proved the turning point. Buffon has made a habit this season of producing big saves at the right moment. A fantastic late intervention secured maximum points versus Chievo, he stopped Magnus Eriksson with the match against Malmo level and denied Keisuke Honda in the big San Siro showdown. Buffon does not have much to do – Juve concede fewer shots than anybody in Serie A – but when called upon the captain does his duty.

Forget Franz Beckenbauer’s ‘pensioner’ tag, the Carrara native is as good as ever. Massimiliano Allegri agrees: “I think the difference between Buffon and all other goalkeepers is that he can barely be tested throughout the game, yet still come up with the decisive save when he’s needed. That’s how you can tell a real champion.”

It continues a clean-sheet run which stretches back to Simone Zaza’s strike for Sassuolo last April. That’s 764 minutes across three competitions. It has been 16 years since a team started a Serie A season with five consecutive clean sheets and Buffon has his gloves all over that mark seeing as it was Parma who last accomplished the feat in 1998, with Gigi manning the posts. It was ended by Perugia’s Milan Rapaic, a left-foot snapshot from the edge of the penalty area that left Buffon fuming at his defenders and Parma on their way to a first defeat of the campaign.

The penalty save from Denis, his second consecutive, was Buffon’s 11th in Serie A from 56 faced. The captain is leading by example and with Italy’s most capped player in this form he remains ever valuable to the Turin outfit. They have one of Italy’s brightest young goalkeepers on the books, but there’s no reason to suggest Nicola Leali will be making regular Juventus Stadium appearances anytime soon.

Buffon can further extend the streak in what will be Juve’s toughest week of the season to date. They are away at Atletico Madrid before the top of the table confrontation against Roma and with these two matches are further opportunities for the ‘pensioner’ to show what he is capable of.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'Italy respect Malta'

Oct 12, 2014

Italy captain Gigi Buffon warned not to underestimate Malta in tomorrow’s Euro 2016 qualifier.

This match follows on from Friday’s surprisingly hard-fought 2-1 win over Azerbaijan in Palermo.

“I didn’t need to raise my voice in the locker room after the Azerbaijan game,” assured Buffon in a Press conference.
“There are moments in which certain players have to make sure their voice is heard, but with regards to that game I can only applaud my teammates.

“We must look at the glass as half-full, as our reaction to the equaliser was vehement and it wasn’t easy after conceding an own goal having dominated the match. In general I like the approach, dedication and hunger the team is putting into every training session.”

Malta have lost both their qualifiers so far, including a 3-0 to Norway on Friday, but Buffon is not fooled.

“If you watch that game, Malta had at least seven scoring opportunities. Also, the smaller teams can put nine or 10 elements inside their own half to break up the play. We have to break the deadlock as early as possible.”

Buffon also spoke to Sky Sport Italia about his secret to growing old gracefully.

“The bigger you are, the less chance you have to give people to hurt you. If before you were playing very well in 90 per cent of the games, as the years go by you need to increase that percentage to 95 per cent, because there are other goalkeepers coming up behind you who are just as good.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: This Italy Team Is Very Serious

Oct 13, 2014

Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has praised the character of Antonio Conte’s team.

The Azzurri are set to face Malta on Monday in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, and the 36-year-old took the time to praise the side.

“This national team is very serious,” he told Sky. “To write the history of a nation like Italy you need to only win.”

“We need to work in the best way possible to get good results.”

The Juve goalkeeper also likened the Maltese side to Azerbaijan, stating that they will try to congest play.

“A team like Malta is more or less like Azerbaijan,” he said. “They will put nine or 10 men in their own half to try and block the play.

“For us, the only thing we can do to try and win is to open them up and open the scoring as early as possible.”

Buffon also stated that he has not spoken to Francesco Totti since Juve’s controversial 3-2 win over Roma.

“We haven’t heard from each other since,” he said. “But I don’t want to cause controversy after the end of the 90 minutes, it’s not in my character as a person to do so.”

It is also worth mentioning that Italy will try to take their tally to nine points on Monday, having already defeated Norway and Azerbaijan.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon critical of Totti

Oct 13, 2014

Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has criticised Roma’s Francesco Totti for his comments that Juventus ‘should have their own League’.

The Giallorossi captain hit out at the Bianconeri following their 3-2 win in Week 6, which saw the capital club angered by some refereeing calls.

For his Juve counterpart, there is no sympathy in why those statements may have been made.

“Did I feel for Totti after Juve-Roma? I didn’t feel for him, I’m not interested in controversy when the game is over,” Buffon told RAI Sport.

“Throughout my career I’ve won a lot, but I’ve also lost a lot. I finished third, fourth, and then seventh for two consecutive years, but I don’t think you’ve ever seen Buffon doing interviews in which he railed against someone or made inferences which aren’t good for anyone or for the image of our game.”

Buffon, who is expected to win his 145th Italy cap against Malta tonight, also spoke about Mario Balotelli’s exclusion from Antonio Conte’s first two Italy squads.

“He could return to the side. Mario is still young, and has years still ahead of him in his career.

“Not only that, I don’t think that Conte has ever said that Mario will never be called up.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon close to Juve deal

Oct 21, 2014

Gigi Buffon will soon sign an extension that will take his contract with Juventus to 2017, according to reports.

SportMediaset are again running the line that the two parties are just a signature away from extending the goalkeeper’s current deal, which is due to expire next June.

It is understood that the club are committed to a two-year extension for Buffon, which will take him past his 39th birthday.

Added to this, it is also reported that President Andrea Agnelli and Italy’s first-choice ‘keeper are said to be happy to extend the agreement for even longer.

Mediaset suggest that Buffon is targeting becoming Juventus’ oldest between the sticks, overcoming the legendary Dino Zoff who amassed a total of 476 appearances with the Old Lady and only stopped playing when he was 41.

Buffon has already overcome Zoff in the all-time appearances’ list with 497 games with the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Juventus Deserve More Points
In The Champions League, Pogba Renewal Important

Oct 23, 2014

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon believes that the Old Lady have been deserving of more points in their three Champions League group stage matches thus far and admits that the renewal of Paul Pogba would send an important signal to the world.

The Bianconeri have managed to earn just three points in their first three matches of the tournament’s group stage, with a win against Malmo and successive losses to Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, and the 36-year-old feels his team should have been able to secure at least five points based on their performances up until now.

Buffon spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Thursday following Wednesday’s defeat to Olympiacos about Juve’s inconsistent run in the Champions League this season, while also commenting on the future of rising star Pogba, who’s expected to sign a contract extension with the Turin giants in the coming weeks.

“Differences between playing in Italy and the Champions League? Surely there are environmental factors, along with more of a thickness in technical abilities and more individual players who possess important qualities,” said the veteran goalkeeper.

“This is awe-inspiring and may create some uncertainties. But in the end, the truth lies in the fact that there is regret and anger for only collecting three points in three games, although I think Juventus should be credited with more.

“Between Malmo, Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, Juve deserve to have at least five points right now.

“Pogba’s renewal? The renewal of Pogba would be great news for us, for both Juventus and Paul. He wants to embody Juventus all over the world and become the main player people associate with this glorious club.

“His renewal would be a very important signal both inside and outside of the club.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon set for 500th Juve game

Oct 28, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon will make his 500th Juventus appearance when the Bianconeri meet Genoa tomorrow.

The Juve and Italy captain has been a fixture between the posts for the Old Lady since a €51m move from Parma in 2001, still the highest transfer fee ever paid for a goalkeeper.

Buffon made his debut during a 4-0 win over Venezia on August 26, 2001, two goals each for David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero ensuring the Carrara-native got his Juventus career off to a winning start.

The big goalkeeper made his 100th appearance in a 2-1 win away to Olympiacos in 2003’s Champions League campaign, while his 200th game was a bittersweet occasion as the Old Lady went down 2-0 to Arsenal in a Champions League quarter-final.

After reaching 300 games against Chievo in 2009, Buffon made his 400th appearance against another English opponent, with the Bianconeri fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 19, 2012.

Buffon is poised to renew his contract in Turin to June 2017, and has a few other records within his grasp. While it remains unlikely that the former Parma man will overtake Alessandro Del Piero’s 705 games in the famous black and white stripes, Gaetano Scirea’s 552 games and Giuseppe Furino’s 528 appear more reasonable targets.

If Juve beat Genoa tomorrow, it will represent a double celebration for Buffon - three points would signify the goalkeeper’s 300th win in Serie A.

The goalkeeper, who also holds the record for the most Italy caps, will be glad he isn’t facing Francesco Totti tomorrow - the Roma captain is the player who has scored past Buffon most often, beating him 11 times.

[Socrates 8386]

FOURFOURTWO

Gianluigi Buffon: I wasn't relaxed against
England at Euro 2012 – I hate penalties

Ahead of the legendary Italy goalkeeper's 500th appearance for Juventus against Genoa,
we bring you our exclusive sit-down with the shot-stopper from the July 2014 issue...

Oct 29, 2014

Goalkeepers aren’t always different. Gianluigi ‘Gigi’ Buffon, despite his superhero nickname and matinee idol, is actually more Everyman than Superman. And Italians like to see the best of themselves in him.

As captain of the national team and his club side Juventus, he’s a very public figure; it’s a role he’s grown into with an easy charm and diplomatic grace.

When, late last year, two Italy fans were killed in a road accident on their way to watch Italy play a friendly in Palermo, an almost statesman-like Buffon spoke with a genuine sadness and sense of loss. He is a rare point of pride for the increasingly beleaguered Italian game.

The 36-year-old also still happens to be a pretty useful keeper. Quite what both club and country will do once Buffon hangs up his gloves has prompted much anxious media debate. For now, though, talk of retirement is firmly on hold. Making himself comfortable in a swanky hotel in Turin's city centre, he’s engaging company, his booming voice and easy chuckle reverberating around the hushed, clubby environs.

However, rather unnervingly, he cheerily sits through the whole interview with his flies gaping open. Maybe it’s a fashion statement. Or maybe keepers really are different after all...

Is it true you started out as a midfielder? How did you end up between the sticks?
Ryan Stone, via email

Yeah, it’s true. I guess every kid starts off playing football wanting to score goals rather than keep them out. Was I a striker as well? Yes, for a while. I was OK at it; I enjoyed it. I ended up in goal by chance, really. My dad pushed me towards it a bit, but then I also really wanted to be like Thomas N’Kono, the Cameroon goalkeeper. I was a bit reluctant at first, but the [1990] World Cup was on and I’d watch that great Cameroon side. N’Kono was such an important member of the team.

Your dad came second at the European Athletics Junior Championships and your mum was a champion shot-putter. Did she teach you how to throw a football?
Ben Driver, via email

My dad, my mum, my sister – everybody. Shot put? No, no, it was the discus. She was an Italian record holder in the event. But yeah, my father was a really good athlete as well – it was a very sports-minded family. Did it help me growing up? I think so, yes. You take sports more seriously, perhaps. You certainly have the support of your family, which is important.

Who were your heroes as a kid – and who would you say is the best goalkeeper ever?
Fiona Makepeace, via email

Oh, I had lots of heroes, but none were particularly conventional. There was N’Kono, but also his team-mate, Roger Milla. I really loved to watch Cameroon – they were my second team after Italy. I was a big tennis fan as well and I always liked [ivan] Lendl, [stefan] Edberg and [Pat] Rafter.

I heard that your professional debut for Parma saw you face Milan – and Weah, Baggio and Savicevic. Is that right? Were you as confident and vocal then as you are now?
Massimo Robinson, via email

It was a beautiful day, a beautiful experience – the realisation of a dream I’d worked towards for years. And I had a good game. I didn’t let in any goals [the match finished 0-0]. I was confident, and where I wanted to be. Did I have a shout at the defenders? I think so. I hope so. It’s what goalkeepers do.

Much was made of your €45 million transfer fee when you joined Juventus in 2001. How blown away were you when you heard that fee? What would you say to someone who believes no keeper is worth that much?
Leon Adams, via email

It was a big satisfaction for me. I really didn’t have any problems with it at all. In that sort of transfer market, I was seen as... we could say a phenomenon of sorts, but that was down to the price tag more than anything else. Juventus went to see me play, thought “f***, this Buffon really is a phenomenon” and paid a lot of money for me. If they had paid five million rather than 45 then it wouldn’t have made such a big splash. But the market determines the price. A good goalkeeper is vital for a good team, just as valuable as a good striker. And sometimes just as expensive. Would I have signed for Juve for five million? Yeah, I would. I’m not sure Parma would have been too happy, though...

You suffered from depression 10 years ago and even reached the point where you were afraid to walk onto the pitch. Who knew about it, and why didn’t you take a break?
Graham Dowling, via email

Who knew about it? I knew about it. And I had to keep it to myself because, at the beginning at least, I didn’t really have the opportunities to be open about it; I didn’t know if I could talk about it to anyone. But then, very gradually, I would chat about it to friends, to team-mates, people really close to me, and I began to understand I had a problem and that it was something that could be dealt with and cured. I didn’t take a break because I felt this great responsibility to my team-mates and to people who relied on me; I didn’t want to let them down. And I didn’t feel like I could stop playing: I didn’t think that would be seen as an acceptable way of doing things, not with that responsibility. I had a European Championship to play in. [FFT: Has that attitude within the game changed towards depression?] I think so. I hope so. It helped to see a psychologist, but as I said, the support of friends and team-mates was a big thing for me.

How devastating was it to see Juventus’s titles stripped because of the 2006 Calciopoli scandal? It seemed to inspire Italy to glory at the World Cup; do you think you still would have won the tournament if it wasn’t for that scandal?
John Kerridge, Kent

On a professional level, as a player, to have all that success taken away from you like that was devastating, yes. It deprived me of future successes and it deprived me of two successes from the past [laughs bitterly]. We certainly arrived at the World Cup in Germany as the centre of attention and with the conviction that – in what was a delicate moment – we had to do something big on the pitch to respond to everything that had been going on. We were in determined mood, but then I never really thought we were going to win the tournament, so I’m not sure if it [Calciopoli] had much to do with it.
“

What’s the best save you’ve ever made? It has to be that one-handed save from Zidane in extra-time in the 2006 World Cup Final, right?
Dominic Howe, via Twitter

The best? Er… hmmm… the one against Zidane? Yeah, that was probably the most important save of my career, but I’m not sure if it was really the best… [frowns] Oh, I don’t know. But yes, it was absolutely the most important.

Was it an easy choice to stay with Juventus when they were demoted to Serie B? What did you make of the likes of Patrick Vieira and Zlatan Ibrahimovic walking away from the club? And how much did you enjoy playing in the second tier?
Ollie, via Twitter

[Laughs] Of course it was easy, because they threw a load of money at me! No, no, I’m just kidding, of course! It was the opposite... no, playing in Serie B wasn’t a logical choice, but it was one of those made by the heart. Other players in the squad made other choices. That was up to them. The choices you make in life can be tough, they might not make your life any easier, but they make you the person that you are. Serie B was certainly an experience, but I have mixed feelings about it. To say I enjoyed it wouldn’t be the right word, but yes, that season was an experience...

You don’t look like you fear anyone, but which player do or did you least like to face in one-on-ones?
Evanesce Insomniac, via Twitter

The absolute best player I’ve ever had to face was Ronaldo, the Brazilian, who was a champion without equal – an incredible player. An Italian? It would have to be a player who was the most grande expression of Italian football: Roberto Baggio.

Is Antonio Conte more impressive as a team-mate or as manager? Was it weird to be managed by someone who you’d played with for so long?
David Robinson, Bromley

As a team-mate, Conte was an excellent player, a very charismatic player – someone who was always a great example out on the pitch for others to follow. And now he’s a coach, I think he’s very good. Was it a bit strange? No, no, not at all. He always had that thing about him, way before he ever became a coach. He always had a certain stature about him.

Andrea Pirlo recently proclaimed his locker space at Juventus to be “the most dangerous spot in Turin”, because of its proximity to the door that Conte often storms through to deliver a half-time rant. Is Conte the most fired-up boss you’ve had? Surely Capello was worse?
Liam Towney, via email

He’s a coach who really likes to transmit his energy to the players. [Pauses, as if a little guarded] If he’s angry about something that has happened on the pitch then he lets you know, yes. Capello was worse? No... Conte, maybe because he’s a younger man, a younger coach, lives the whole 90 minutes – he really puts all his energy into it. A coach like Capello, with all that experience, can sometimes be a little more distant.

I remember you giving Steven Gerrard a cheeky slap around the face at the coin toss just before the Euro 2012 quarter-final shootout against England. Were you that relaxed, or was it mind games to unsettle the opposition? Would you be so relaxed if required to take a spot-kick?
Tim Bradley, via email

No, no, I wasn’t relaxed against the English. And I’m never relaxed when the game goes to penalties. Look: you go to penalties, you’ve got a 50 per cent chance of winning, but a 50 per cent chance of losing. But the thing with me is, I’m one of those handful of goalkeepers who are always expected to save at least one or two of those penalties. And if I don’t do that, I’m going to be judged really harshly by the press. So no, I can’t relax before penalties.

Is it right that Mario Balotelli blamed the Juventus players for losing the Euro 2012 final against Spain – and you angrily wrestled him to the floor in the changing room after the game? Who won the fight?!
Trevor Jenkins, via email

He did what? Wrestling?! No, no, that’s not true. [Laughs] Anyway, he couldn’t really say that, could he? There were quite a few Juve players in that team! [six started the game]

I’ve never seen a footballer sing a national anthem with as much passion as you. What are you thinking about when you shut your eyes, and are you just as passionate at karaoke?
Luca Antonoli, via email

I’m thinking that I’m happy and honoured to be an Italian and someone who’s truly lucky to be able to represent my country. Karaoke? [Laughs] Well, it all depends on the song...

Who’s the biggest joker of a team-mate you’ve had? I bet it’s Gattuso...
Bryan Henderson, via email

Yeah, it would have to be Rino [Gattuso]. We still enjoy a close friendship – he can always make me laugh. [slightly wistfully] Ah, Rino...

Wearing the right gear is crucial for a keeper, so why the short sleeves?
Steve Mason, Facebook

I really don’t know why. It’s just something that I’ve always done, right from the time I first started playing in goal. It always felt good. And now look: lots of goalkeepers do it. I’ve started a fashion.

If you hadn’t made it in football, what do you think you would you be doing now?
H Silva, via Twitter

Pffffft... I have no idea. I have no idea because, from when I was a kid, I’ve followed this dream of being a footballer and I never thought it wouldn’t happen. There was never a moment when I thought of doing anything else.

Yes, but these things shouldn’t just be a question of money or whatever. If you play for a big club, you’re obliged to win – you have to do it. So I suppose it’s normal that the idea of playing football for enjoyment, to please the crowds, becomes less and less important. But if you go out onto the pitch and the only objective is to beat your opponent, then it’s not really about enjoying yourself.

You look just like a young Al Pacino, Gigi. Ever met him? What’s your favourite Pacino movie?
Neil Hendon, via email

[Frowns] Who? Pacino? Really? Nooooo! [suddenly brightens up] No, really? It’s not bad, though, is it? Hmmm. OK! No, I’ve never met him. My favourite film of his? Oh, Scarface is the best. Definitely.

Italian sides have struggled in the Champions League of late. Why would you say this is? And how far do you think Serie A lags behind La Liga and the Premier League right now?
Jan Fairless, via email

Yes, yes, it’s true... Italy is having a very tough time economically, and so Italian football suffers as well.
There isn’t the sort of money in the game that there was 10 years ago, 20 years ago and yes, we’ve fallen behind, but we [Juventus] came close to success in Europe last season. Will Serie A come good again? I know it will, because these things go around in circles. They do.

Goalkeepers seem to be playing to a later age these days. What would you say is the peak age for a keeper, and how long do you think you can go on for? Are you targeting 150 caps for Italy?
Lenny Goodhall, via email

Maybe up until you’re 28, 29, 30, it’s about your physicality, your agility, but after that things change a little and your experience as a keeper begins to kick in. You know how to approach the important games, the sort of thing you only know from experience. And to have that kind of experience, I think you need to be over 30. But there’s a pay-off to that, because you can’t do the same things you could do as a young man. So I don’t know if we can really say there is a peak age, as the two ages can be just as important, for different reasons. Good goalkeepers improve all the time, though. Yes, 150 caps would be a great achievement. Let’s see.

You and Iker Casillas have been the best two keepers in world football for the last decade. Who would you say are the next two on that list?
BenIsAinDom, via Twitter

I like Joe Hart: he’s still young and he can become a great keeper. Among the other young keepers I really like the Belgian, [Thibaut] Courtois.

What single bit of advice would you give an aspiring young goalkeeper looking to make it as a professional?
Jerry JD Redwine, via Twitter

One bit of advice? To swap position... no, no, I’m absolutely serious! You have to be a real masochist to do this as a job. And a bit perverse. Think about it: you’re playing a game where everyone uses their feet, but you want to use your hands...

You’re already the most capped Italian player and Brazil was your fifth World Cup. Are you aiming to make it six in Russia in 2018?
Hassan Assad, via email

Yes, there could also be a sixth. [Laughs] But you know, I really haven’t thought about that, not just yet. We’ll see.

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Buffon is an example to follow, says Allegri

The Bianconeri boss has hailed the veteran as he closes in on yet another
career milestone, while also offering words of praise for Paul Pogba.

Oct 29, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has voiced his admiration for Gianluigi Buffon ahead of the goalkeeper's 500th appearance for the Turin giants.

The 36-year-old will reach the milestone if he features in Wednesday's Serie A game away against Genoa and Allegri believes the experienced shot stopper is an example to follow for the club's youngsters.

"It’s an achievement that very few will accomplish. Gigi’s deserves it," Allegri said at a press conference.

"I think he’s got a great deal more to offer because he combines the enthusiasm of a youngster with the cool head of a veteran.

"His professionalism is a great example for the youngsters, who learn how to behave at an important club like Juventus."

Allegri also had words of encouragement for Paul Pogba following the midfielder's inclusion on the 23-man shortlist for the Fifa Ballon d'Or.

"The Ballon d’Or nomination is a good achievement for Pogba.

"His contract extension is a sign of the great faith the club has in someone who has been brought up to the levels of a top player. Now it’s down to him to become one of the best three midfielders in the world."

[Socrates 8386]

‘Buffon? Maybe I’ll drop him…’

Oct 29, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri has spoken about Gianluigi Buffon’s impending 500th game for Juventus - joking that he’ll drop the Bianconeri captain!

Buffon will reach the landmark for the Old Lady in all competitions when Allegri’s men travel to the Marassi to face Genoa on Wednesday night.

Ahead of this, his Coach has pointed to the captain as an example for young players to follow.

“His 500th game is tomorrow, let’s see if I play him…” Allegri joked in his pre-match Press conference.

“No, but seriously I think it’s a great achievement for Gigi, and I still think he has a lot to give.

“He has the enthusiasm of a boy, with the calmness and serenity of an old man.

“The wisdom of an old man too, because at the end of the day Gigi is still young in life, but in footballing terms he’s near the end of his career.

“This is a normal thing, that’s the power he has and he transmits that to the whole team. And best of all he adds a lot playing-wise too, because having a goalkeeper like Gigi is invaluable, especially to the younger lads as an example of professionalism and seriousness.

“I think that having guys like Buffon, Barzagli, Chiellini, Marchisio, Pirlo and others in the dressing room shows kids that come to Juventus for the first time that they must learn how to act at a huge club like Juventus, and that they must try and improve to reach the goals of both themselves and the team.”

[Socrates 8386]

Zenga: Buffon is the best

Oct 29, 2014

Former Inter and Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga has admitted that he was not on the level of Gianluigi Buffon.

Buffon will make his 500th appearance for Juventus tonight when the Bianconeri take on Genoa, and Zenga believes he is the ultimate No 1.

“Sometimes people called me ‘the best in the world’,” Zenga has reflected to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“But Gianluigi is stronger than me, and I’d put him in first place.

“Technically he’s a complete player, but he also has very important moral qualities as well. He has that in spades.

“He always puts his neck on the line, he dropped down to Serie B [when Juventus were demoted during the Calciopoli scandal].

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Buffon was still playing at 45. Maybe not for Juventus, but maybe in the US.

[Socrates 8386]

Brazil Legend Cafu Congratulates Buffon
On 500th Juventus Appearance

Oct 29, 2014

Brazilian legend Cafu has congratulated Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon on his 500th appearance for the Bianconeri.

Should the Italy No.1 play against Genoa on Wednesday evening, he will reach a milestone in his Juventus career.

“Congratulations Gianluigi Buffon. He will play his 500th game tonight for Juventus. A living legend,” the former AC Milan and Roma full-back wrote on his Twitter account .

Cafu, who has won the World Cup, Copa America, Champions League, Cup Winners’ Cup and two Serie A titles, face Buffon on many occasions during his playing career.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Juve different in Europe

Oct 29, 2014

Gigi Buffon believes that Juventus simply do not enjoy the same confidence in Europe as they have in Serie A.

The Bianconeri No 1 has taken over Twitter today, answering multiple questions from followers through the club’s official account.

Despite Roma being now level on points after last night’s results, the 36-year-old still thinks that Juve can reach the glory once again this season.

“In the Champions League we must aim at least at the quarter-finals, while in the League we must aim to win it again,” Buffon considered during the session.

“In the Champions League I think it’s a matter of confidence when it appears that we suffer from pressure away.

“Simply put, on the continent we don’t enjoy the same confidence that we have in Italy.

“To win the Champions League I’d give in exchange 200 of the 500 appearances that I’ve just reached.”

Last night, a single goal from Genoa’s Luca Antonini in injury time spoilt his 500th game with Juve, but he still prefers to look ahead.

“When you concede a goal it’s like when your modesty is violated.

“It doesn’t matter that it was my 500th game with Juve, because in the end every defeat is painful.

“I am happy about reaching the 500-game milestone, but I think there are still some miles to go.”

Despite looking ahead, it was also time for a trip down memory lane for Italy’s No 1.

“The semi-final won against Real Madrid [in 2003] certainly remains my favourite game with Juve, but the trophies I feel a special bond with are the Leagues won in 2002, which was the first for me and totally unexpected, and the one won in 2012.

“Generally speaking, I wouldn’t change anything of my career, even if there were some tough decisions to make. But seeing how everything has eventually unfolded, I’d make the same decisions again.

“But I’d have loved to play with Zinedine Zidane, an absolute legend.”

Being asked which player he would be afraid of facing from the penalty spot, Buffon answered: “It’s not the penalty that’s the problem. But having never played against Lionel Messi, I’d say Cristiano Ronaldo.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Juventus must reach
Champions League quarter-finals

The veteran goalkeeper believes his side must aim for the latter stages
of Europe's top competition, despite their group-stage struggles.

Oct 30, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon says reaching the Champions League quarter-finals should be a minimum requirement for Juventus this season.

The Italian champions endured an ignominious group-stage exit last season and have struggled for form in Europe in 2014-15, losing to both Olympiakos and Atletico Madrid so far.

Despite their travails in the Champions League, Buffon insists reaching the last four must be a target for Massimiliano Allegri's side this term.

"I think it's a question of feeling secure, it relies on victory," he told reporters on Twitter when asked why Juve struggle for form in Europe. "We have it in Italy, but in Europe we're yet to find it.

"In the Champions League we want to reach at least the quarter-finals. And we want to win back Serie A."

Buffon made his 500th appearance for the club in the midweek defeat to Genoa but the 36-year-old maintains he is far from calling time on his illustrious career.

"I never thought of that goal, even though I'm an optimist by nature," he added. "I'm fairly satisfied, but there are still more miles to go."

[Socrates 8386]

Gianluigi Buffon shortlisted for FIFPro World XI

Nov 24, 2014

Sign a contract one week, be recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in the world — again — just a couple of days later. This is the life that Juventus legend Gigi Buffon lives right now. Pretty good, if you ask me.

Buffon, who just extended his contract through the 2016-17 season last Thursday, has been nominated as one of the five finalists for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014 —which is voted on by the players themselves and will be announced on the first day of December — as announced on Monday. Here's the full, five-goalkeeper long list, courtesy of FIFA.com:

Manuel Neuer (Germany / FC Bayern München)
Was last year's FIFA FIFPro World XI goalkeeper.

Claudio Bravo (Chile / FC Barcelona)
First nomination on the 55-man shortlist.

Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Chelsea FC)
He is making his debut on the 55-man shortlist.

Iker Casillas (Spain / Real Madrid CF)
Was the World XI goalkeeper for five straight years (2008-2012).

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy / Juventus FC)

(Side note: Ikeer Casillas? Really? Has anybody actually watched him consistently over the last 12 or 18 months? If you want to know, go over to SB Nation's Real Madrid site, Managing Madrid, and ask them about how much Casillas has regressed over the last couple of season. Name recognition, holmes.)

But wait, what about the little factoid about Buffon? Well, glad you asked.

Was the World XI goalkeeper in 2006 and 2007. He is the only goalkeeper to appear on all ten World XI shortlists since the introduction of the award in 2005

That's consistent — and deserved — recognition, kids. Say what you want about individual awards and how much they truly mean in the big picture of things in the game today, but Buffon being recognized every year for an award voted on by his peers for a decade straight is pretty dang good. And there's a reason for it — he's still one of the best in the world. There weren't doubts about how much longer he could play following the World Cup like there was with Casillas. Nope, Buffon has just continued to be Buffon as the last few years have progressed.

And as he stands two months away from his 37th birthday, it's not like he's suddenly slowing down. Buffon, despite Juve's inconsistencies at times in front of him, leads Serie A with nine shutouts this season. Not bad for a guy who's about to officially reach his late-30s.

There's a reason why they call this guy 'Superman' and 'God.' He's just the G.O.A.T.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon must not ruin his legacy like Casillas

One of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport must be careful not to play
on for too long or else he risks suffering a similar fate to the Real Madrid man.

Nov 26, 2014

By Carlo Garganese

"Buffon looked like a pensioner. He should have saved that shot. Maybe he was not expecting him to strike it from there. He shot from 120 metres!"

These were the words of Germany icon Franz Beckenbauer last year when Gianluigi Buffon made perhaps the biggest error of his legendary career, somehow allowing a long-range strike from David Alaba to trickle past him as Bayern Munich defeated Juventus in a Champions League quarter-final clash.

Although he later apologised for his rather disrespectful remarks, there was an element of truth in der Kaiser’s comments. Italian television’s satirical show 'Striscia la notizia' even poked their own fun at the Azzurri No.1, presenting him with a blanket, a dressing gown and a pair of slippers when he returned to Turin.

Buffon took it all with good grace, but 18 months on from this incident he is again in the firing line after his recent blooper for Italy in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia in Milan. In a match that was overshadowed by crowd trouble, Buffon was left with a red face after failing to save a simple effort from Ivan Perisic.

In January, Buffon will turn 37 and - as is only natural for someone of his advanced years - it is becoming increasingly clear that his time at the top is coming to an end.

The ex-Parma man is making more and more mistakes. Over the past year or so, there have been further gaffes against Didier Drogba and Galatasaray, Giuseppe Rossi and Fiorentina and on a number of occasions at the Confederations Cup. Buffon’s reflexes and particularly the speed at which he goes to ground and moves his feet have slowed significantly.

When it comes to positioning, decision-making, aerial ability and organising a defence, Buffon remains one of the best in his role. The top 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 can't read the game or command their area.

In this respect, it is important not to be too over-dramatic. Buffon remains one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers and perhaps only Paris Saint-Germain’s Salvatore Sirigu can legitimately stake a claim for his Azzurri shirt today.

This season, Buffon has kept 10 clean sheets and has let in just four goals in 11 Serie A games – Juventus have never conceded fewer at this stage of the season. He still commands the respect of his peers and this week was one of five goalkeepers nominated for the 2014 FIFA FIFPro World XI.

But the warning signs are there that a spectacular fall – similar to that of Iker Casillas – could be around the corner unless Buffon steps out of the limelight before it is too late.

It would be very sad if one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time – an iconic figure who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old with a string of miraculous stops for Parma against Fabio Capello’s all-conquering Milan – was to damage his legacy by playing on for too long.

For all of Casillas’ incredible achievements during his own stellar career, the Spaniard will never be able to remove the stain from the last two years - having become something of a laughing stock.

Casillas has perhaps never been on Buffon’s level, but he should have seen that the writing was on the wall for his Real Madrid and Spain career. By failing to do so, he will never be remembered in the same way again. His catastrophic mistakes at this summer’s World Cup will be replayed over and over in tournaments to come.

Buffon has the power to avoid a similar fate, but right now he has no intention of slowing down. Last week he signed a new contract in Turin that will tie him to Juventus until the summer of 2017. The Bianconeri possess a number of talented young shot-stoppers on their books such as Nicola Leali and Laurentiu Branescu, but Buffon is untouchable for club and country.

Primed to be Italy’s No.1 at Euro 2016, he also has his heart set on becoming the first footballer in history to play in six World Cups. Buffon will be 40 when Russia 2018 comes along. “He will keep playing until that age and be in goal for the 2018 World Cup,” his agent Silvano Martina promised recently.

Buffon currently has 146 Italy caps, he is only 14 appearances away from entering the top 10 most capped international players of all time. The all-time record-holder, Ahmed Hassan of Egypt, is on 184 caps and could be in Buffon’s reach if he plays until 2018.

''I'll keep playing as long as I don't become a reserve,'' Buffon has noted. ''Once the day comes that I get benched, that's when I'll hang my boots up.''

As the most universally loved and respected footballer in Italy, it is more likely that Buffon will have to take his own decision on when to stop playing. His desire to create history is admirable – but he needs to be honest with himself.

When he knows he is no longer able to perform at the highest level, he should retire. One of the all-time greats of the sports deserves to exit the game as a winner and not as a “pensioner”.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon Praises Torino’s Spirit After Derby Win

Dec 1, 2014

Injured Juventus star Gianluigi Buffon has heaped praise on cross-town rivals Torino after the derby clash on Sunday evening.

The 36-year-old Italy international missed the match due to a shoulder complaint as his side ran out 2-1 winners courtesy of a last-minute screamer from Andrea Pirlo.

“Respect to Torino and respect to [Giampiero] Ventura for the way he gets his team to play, for his gentlemanly conduct after the game and for his subtle irony that makes him always enjoyable!” wrote Buffon on Twitter.

“I am so happy for my teammates, for our fans, and for the table! I am proud to be 1/26th of this team!”

Juventus stay in top spot after the last-gasp victory, three points ahead of second-placed Roma.

[Socrates 8386]

Manuel Neuer unlikely to win
Ballon d'Or, Gianluigi Buffon says

Dec 3, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon does not fancy Manuel Neuer's chances of becoming the first goalkeeper to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or despite his success at the World Cup.

Juventus captain Buffon, 36, is regarded as one of the finest keepers of all time, but the closest he has come to claiming the Ballon d'Or was in 2006, when he finished runner-up to Fabio Cannavaro after helping Italy to success at that year's World Cup.

Neuer is on a three-man shortlist with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have shared the award between them since 2008, but Buffon believes the Germany star has little prospect of lifting the award in Zurich next month.

"For a goalkeeper to win the award today something truly exceptional has to happen," Buffon told FIFA.com. "Often the prize doesn't go to the best player but to the player who has won more games, and who was most decisive in those victories.

"So perhaps a goalkeeper will win the Ballon d'Or when he helps his team become world champions by winning four games in a row on penalties and saving every spot-kick [laughs]. That way no one can overlook him! But something really remarkable needs to happen."

As well as winning the World Cup, Neuer also won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal for Bayern Munich, but with the Bavarians finding themselves in a league of their own domestically, he was again given little opportunity to underline his credentials.

Ronaldo's Real Madrid beat his Bayern comprehensively in the Champions League semifinals, but it is not purely because of that that Buffon believes the Portuguese forward is favourite to win for a second year running.

"Even if he hadn't won the UEFA Champions League, the player who is the best at a particular moment should be rewarded," added Buffon. "Ronaldo -- in addition to having a splendid career and maintaining a high level of performance over a long period -- has done something exceptional over the last two years, and deserves the recognition.

"That said, I still think that Messi is still the best overall, because when he is 100 percent he is simply sublime to watch. But there is not much difference between the two: they are playing at such a high level that if one drops just a little, the other will overtake him.

"And what Ronaldo did this year was beautiful to behold -- incredibly decisive and professional. You realise that he has the right mindset, and is working towards goals that he sets himself. In the end, people who stand out so deservedly, thanks to their hard work and sacrifice, should be rewarded."

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: ‘Calcio has declined’

Dec 3, 2014

Italian football has suffered a decline, admits Azzurri captain Gigi Buffon, and the goalkeeper sees no future Ballon d’Or winners in Serie A.

Juventus’ French midfielder Paul Pogba was Serie A’s sole representative on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, with no Italian players making the cut.

Buffon, who finished second to Fabio Cannavaro in the 2006 Ballon d’Or voting admits that the Italian game has declined since then, and doesn’t see any future winners of the award among the next generation.

“I don’t know if we have a young, talented player coming through who can aspire to win this sort of award in the future,” Buffon lamented to FIFA’s official website.

“There is no Italian among the candidates for this year’s award because we are coming off a very disappointing World Cup and our clubs haven’t challenged for the highest honours for quite a few years.

“Either we improve the national team or our football will remain ordinary, and it will be impossible to stand out.

“The fact that no Italian has been nominated forces us to understand the situation our football is currently in, and confirms that the technical and individual quality of our players has declined.”

However, the Juventus captain doesn’t think the decline in calcio’s fortunes is terminal, and backs the Italian game to return to the top.

“As in any area of life, sport goes in cycles.

“This is perhaps a low point for Italy, but the country’s history carries a lot of weight, and Italian football has always managed to combine technique with tactical discipline.

“By putting an emphasis on these qualities, I think we will soon start to grow again.”

[Socrates 8386]

Gianluigi Buffon: 'Juventus are on the verge of greatness'

Dec 7, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that Juventus will be regarded as "one of the greats" if they achieve success in Europe this season.

The Bianconeri have won the Serie A title for the past three years, but they have struggled in the Champions League and failed to make it out of their group last term.

They will be assured of reaching the knockout stages if they claim at least a point against Atletico Madrid in midweek, and Buffon has acknowledged how important the match is for the Old Lady.

"Looking towards Tuesday, what we need to put in a great performance will be a different spark, to be more courageous and daring compared to the Stadio Franchi," he told reporters.

"On Tuesday a Final awaits us and we will fight to finish top, but the fundamental thing is qualification. We care a great deal about doing well with Atletico, just as we know this is an appointment long-awaited by our fans.

"We consider ourselves a team on the verge of becoming one of the greats, so we must have the strength to take risks and be more daring, even in our choice of line-ups."

Juventus last won the Champions League in 1996.

[Socrates 8386]

Sirigu: 'Don't compare me to Buffon'

Dec 10, 2014

Salvatore Sirigu admits that being compared to Gigi Buffon at the start of his career was difficult to live up to.

The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper was seen as Buffon’s heir after bursting on to the seen at Palermo, and admits he found that difficult to cope with.

“When I was young it was nice to be compared to Buffon,” Sirigu reflected in an interview with L’Equipe.

“I was also disappointed when later maybe someone else was compared to him instead of me. But since then at least 20-25 goalkeepers have been compared to Buffon.

“By then I was sick of it. Buffon is still Buffon.

“In my early 20s I’d go on to the field with the desire to prove to everyone that I was like Gigi. With time, however, I realised I had to be myself.

“The important thing is to know that I am who I am, and he is who he is.”

[Socrates 8386]

‘Juventus lacks a Ronaldo or Messi’

Dec 11, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon considers what Juventus lack in order to win the Champions League, and Ballon d’Or criteria.

The Bianconeri are into the Last 16 of the European competition this season after finishing second behind Atletico Madrid in the group stages.

It was put to their veteran goalkeeper and captain this week to consider what they may be missing to have greater ambitions of winning the Champions League.

“Juventus are lacking the same thing as all the teams that don't win the Champions League, that is to say, Cristiano Ronaldo or [Lionel] Messi,” commented Buffon in conversation with AS.

“They mean a lot because with the certainty of having two players that, even when things come to the worst, score at least one goal, you are starting games off from a 1-0 score. It's a good advantage.”

The Italian talisman was also asked what he thought about the Ballon d'Or, and his response was rather sceptical.

“The criteria with which the prize is assigned are not very clear. I don't understand if they keep giving it to the strongest player or to the one who won the most.

“If you're giving it to the strongest player then you know that in these last few years, and for the next 10, you must assign it to Cristiano or Messi.”

Buffon was also doubtful that the prize could be picked up by a goalkeeper.

“It could happen under exceptional circumstances, for example if you win a World Cup or a Champions League and you're the protagonist in the quarter-finals, in the semi-finals and in the final because you blocked two or three penalties in each game.

“In any case it doesn't bother me.

“I never like those who say ‘I could have done this’ or ‘could not do that’. I did not win it and that’s it, no need to say any more. Anyone can see what I have done and who I am, and that is enough to make a judgement.”

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez reportedly showed some interest in Buffon at earlier stages of the player's career, but the ‘keeper nicknamed Superman doubts he could have flown to the Spanish capital.

“I don't think there was ever any real interest, because Madrid didn't need me.

“They always had some great goalkeepers.”

On that subject, Buffon also revealed his take on Madrid’s treatment of Iker Casillas during the last two years.