Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8414]

Gianluigi Buffon branded a 'legend'
ahead of Juventus vs. AC Milan

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2719001/gianluigi-buffon-branded-a-legend-ahead-of-juventus-vs-milan?

Nov 20, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been hailed as he enters his third decade as a professional footballer when his side face AC Milan.

Buffon, 37, marked 20 years since making his Serie A debut in midweek and, after shaking off a thigh injury which had threatened to rule him out this Saturday, he declared on Thursday that he is ready to face the side against whom his career began two decades ago.

"From Milan to Milan -- the game with the greatest significance, however, was that debut 20 years ago," Buffon told Mediaset television.

"It was my first day with the big boys. My memories of that debut are indelible; they will never be lost.

"From the trepidation of knowing what faith was being placed in me to the great joy of finally being able to know and to show my value, through to the awareness of what an opportunity I was being given.

"It was a turbine of emotions. [Parma coach] Nevio Scala knocked on my door and asked me if I felt up for playing. With a bit of youthful arrogance, I told him that it was precisely what I was there for, and that reassured him.

"Many of the first-team players acted as my tutor. I was regarded as everybody's little lad at Parma, also because I was a bit 'wild.'"

Scala, the man who launched Buffon's career in such a big match, also recalled how taken aback he was by Buffon's willingness to prove himself that day.

"I was doing my usual round of knocking on the players' doors and when I got to Gigi's room, I asked 'you're playing tomorrow, what do you think?' and he said 'what's the problem, boss?,'" Scala said in La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "It was a risk giving him his debut, but Gigi became the best around."

That is a common tribute to the Juve and Italy No. 1, with his former Parma teammate Faustino Asprilla branding him "a legend -- compliments to my big friend and colleague," and former Italy coach Marcello Lippi hailing his "first 20 years as a professional."

Lippi was there when Buffon celebrated the greatest moment of his career almost 10 years ago.

"There have been many, many great moments," Buffon said. "Maybe the ultimate, collectively speaking, was winning the World Cup in 2006. It's true, I still haven't won a European Championship or the Champions League, but I've won all the rest, which is all well and good given the long career I've had, full of trophies.

"There are some I've not yet won and maybe I'll never win them, but even if I don't it will not take anything away from the satisfaction I have for what I have achieved."

Buffon is set to go up against Milan's 16-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on Saturday.

"He's got to think about growing slowly without letting the pressure of being among the pros get to him," Buffon said. "He's already delivered a great signal by coping with playing at the age of 16 for Milan with all the media pressure that brings.

"He's debuted one year younger than me and the signs are going in the same direction, so it's up to him now. His first few outings suggest that he could have an extraordinary career, and I wish it to him with all my heart because these are the most beautiful emotions life gives you.

"My advice to him would be to try to mature as quickly as possible, to understand the rights and wrongs in this context."

[Socrates 8414]

Perin: 'Trailing Buffon is a triumph'

http://www.football-italia.net/76358/perin-trailing-buffon-triumph

Nov 29, 2015

Genoa's Mattia Perin won a prize as second best goalkeeper, and claims: 'Being second after Gianluigi Buffon is like being first'.

The Italian association of goalkeeper trainers, also known as 'Apport', recently produced a list of the top goalkeepers in Serie A.

The first place went to the evergreen Gianluigi Buffon, playing at Juventus, but Perin made it in second.

“Coming behind the absolute greatest is like winning,” said Perin, as reported on Genoa's official site. “I consider this second place a source of great satisfaction.

“And it's especially pleasing as the position is awarded by the highest experts in the field.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: ‘Coaching? I’ll decide later…’

http://www.football-italia.net/76925/buffon-%E2%80%98coaching-i%E2%80%99ll-decide-later%E2%80%A6%E2%80%99?

Dec 10, 2015

Juventus captain Gigi Buffon admits he’s unsure if he’ll move into Coaching when he retires.

The goalkeeper’s stated aim is to continue until the 2018 World Cup, but he’s given no indication yet of what he’d like to do afterward.

“Would I like to Coach Juventus?” Buffon considered, speaking to a group of children at Juventus Stadium.

“I'll have a better idea as to what I'd like to do once I've finished playing. I think I'll always remain in football, but I’m not sure what role yet.”

Buffon also discussed the proudest moments of his long career, having made his debut for Parma 20 years ago.

“The proudest moments of my career? My Serie A debut, my first cap for Italy, my first Scudetto, winning the UEFA Cup with Parma, and also the ‘perfect match’ against Real Madrid [in 2003].

“More recently, Juve’s four straight Scudetti.

“Do I ever have an urge to run up the pitch and help the team score? Sometimes, yes, but obviously I can’t…”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: ‘Donnarumma a top ‘keeper’

http://www.football-italia.net/77128/buffon-%E2%80%98donnarumma-top-%E2%80%98keeper%E2%80%99?

Dec 14, 2015

Juventus Gianluigi Buffon praises his Milan namesake Donnarumma - “he’s a top goalkeeper”.

The Bianconeri number 1 was receiving the award for best goalkeeper at the AIC’s Oscar del Calcio gala, the 12th time he has been given the award.

“Donnarumma is definitely a top goalkeeper,” Buffon told reporters.

“To be 16-years-old and able to handle that kind of media pressure is important and rare.

“I’m happy, because he’s being protected and growing adequately, despite the enormous pressure that has been created for him.”

Donnarumma names Buffon as his idol, and has often been compared to the World Cup-winner, who made his Parma debut at 17.

[Socrates 8414]

‘No-one compares to Buffon’

http://www.football-italia.net/77545/%E2%80%98no-one-compares-buffon%E2%80%99

Dec 26, 2015

Former Italy and Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro says Gianluigi Buffon is “on a different level to everyone”.

The Bianconeri goalkeeper made his Serie A debut over 20 years ago, and also holds the record for the most Italy caps.

“Buffon? How could anyone trouble Gigi?” Cannavaro considered, speaking to Corriere dello Sport.

“Gigi is on a different level to everyone, no-one compares to him for what he’s done and what he’s continuing to do.

“Although he’s no longer young, having him behind you just gives you that extra security.”


Having discussed the Scudetto race at length, the World Cup-winner then discussed some other aspects of the Serie A season so far.

“The best so far? Gonzalo Higuain, but also Paulo Dybala. Is Higuain the best striker in the world? He’s good, but not the best. Luis Suarez and Robert Lewandowski are stronger.

“By the way, as a second striker Pipita is even better, when I was at Real with him he played well there.

“The midfield? A hat-tip to Jorginho, he’s done great things from the beginning. He always keeps it simple, plays it forward and doesn’t hold back physically.

“As for the defence, I’d say Andrea Barzagli he’s Italy’s best defender.

“Biggest disappointment? I’d say Mohamed Salah, after seeing him with Fiorentina I expected more. Maybe he’s paying for Roma’s form.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon 'rejected triple wages'

http://www.football-italia.net/77818/buffon-rejected-triple-wages?

Jan 3, 2016

Gigi Buffon “turned down the chance to triple his Juventus wages” so he could stay in Turin, said his agent.

The goalkeeper is continuing to maintain an extraordinarily consistent level of form, so how long can he keep going?

“At the age of 38 it’s difficult to make predictions, but Gigi is beating all records in terms of performance over such a long career,” agent Silvano Martina told the Corriere dello Sport.

“He is truly an exceptional player and man. In 2013 he turned down the chance to triple his Juventus wages. He signed the Juve extension without asking for a cent more.

“I think Juventus have to be considered among the favourites for the Scudetto again.”

Who is the top candidate to take over the Italy gloves after Buffon does retire?

“Gianluigi Donnarumma is very strong, but I’d include Alex Meret of Udinese too.”

[Socrates 8414]

Neuer named world's best goalkeeper
for third year in a row

The Bayern Munich stopper defeated Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon and Barcelona's Claudio Bravo
and has now completed a hat-trick of titles, with David De Gea finishing fourth.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3275/bundesliga/2016/01/08/19111212/-?

Jan 8, 2016

Manuel Neuer has been named the World Goalkeeper of the Year for the third year in a row.

Bayern goalkeeper Neuer beat off competition from runner-up Gianluigi Buffon and third-placed Claudio Bravo to reclaim the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) award.

Experts from 50 countries cast their vote in the competition, and Neuer earned 188 points, a remarkable 110 ahead of his Juventus rival, while Bravo received only 45.

"Of course I am happy about this triple. But titles with my team are more important to me," he told Bayern's official website.

Premier League goalkeepers David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois came fourth and fifth respectively, with Petr Cech sixth.

Marcelo Barovero, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Iker Casillas and Daniel Subasic round off the top 10.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: ‘Napoli, Inter Scudetto rivals’

http://www.football-italia.net/78731/buffon-%E2%80%98napoli-inter-scudetto-rivals%E2%80%99?

Jan 22, 2016

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon says Napoli can win the Scudetto, but Inter “could have crushed us” earlier in the season.

The Bianconeri are sitting second in Serie A, two points behind the Partenopei, despite a difficult start to the season which saw them take just 12 points from 10 games.

“The defeat at Sassuolo?” Buffon considered, speaking to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport about the last League game the Old Lady failed to win, after which he criticised the team.

“I think it was our last chance to get back on track. We risked getting sucked into oblivion for good. I don’t have many years ahead of me, so I don’t want to waste time and go through dark periods, without targets.

“It was an important response for everyone in the dressing room, those who had just arrived in Vinovo and those who had been here for many years.

“I think the Coach played a decisive role too, he knew which buttons to push to get the best out of us.

“I like maths. I love numbers, and that night after Sassuolo I did the maths and it gave me hope. I only talked to the directors, just so that the dressing room didn’t risk not perceiving the seriousness of the situation.

“'To win the Scudetto or get into the Champions League', I said, 'we need 25 wins. We have three, so we have to win 22 times in 28 games'.

“It seemed feasible, and now we’re already there at the front fighting for the Scudetto.

“Our most risky moment? I think it was the 0-0 in Milan, wrongly interpreted as a good result for Inter. In fact, if we’d lost that day it would have been a tombstone from a psychological point of view.

“The Nerazzurri could have crushed us, but they didn’t. It was a good Juventus, and I realised with the right attitude and everything in place we’d be a match for anyone.

“People say we’re favourites? They said that when we were further away in the table, and I smiled. It’s nice and rewarding to know how much fear and respect we instil.

“I think at some points in the season everything was in the hands of rivals though, nobody had the strength to immediately put us out of contention, no-one was able to pull away like Juve in recent years.

“I think if Juventus win the Scudetto, a lot of people will be kicking themselves. That said, there’s a long way to go and the games are open.

“Are Napoli or Inter our main rivals? They’re both on the same level, even more so in such a balanced League, with the lead in the League changing almost every Sunday.

“Inter aren’t in Europe, which helps a lot. Napoli are a well-oiled machine, they have one of the best attacks in Europe, and thanks to the excellent [Coach Maurizio] Sarri they now have great certainty in defence.

“Napoli are worthy of the Scudetto.”

The Bianconeri are also in the Last 16 of the Champions League, but have been handed a tough draw in the shape of Bayern Munich.

“It’s a game in which we don’t have much chance, that’s the truth. We’ll need anger, ruthlessness, great will and a bit of luck to upset the odds.”

One of the key men in Juve’s season so far has been Paulo Dybala, a summer arrival from Palermo, and Buffon discussed the young forward.

“My dad is obsessed with Dybala!” the goalkeeper laughed.

“He was happier than me after the deal with Palermo. I think Paulo has it all to be a champion: mentality, humility, attention to detail, character, hunger and technique.

“He has what it takes to be among the best in world football.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Juventus will need luck to beat Bayern

The goalkeeper says the Italian champions must raise their game
and be "angry" if they are to see off Pep Guardiola's side.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/01/23/19606032/-?

Jan 23, 2016

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has admitted his side are underdogs against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16.

Serie A champions Juve have recovered from a patchy start to the season to reel off 12 successive wins in domestic competition.

However, goalkeeper Buffon is wary of Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

"We don't have the best of chances, that’s for sure," he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "We must be angry, clinical and have a bit of luck to overturn the predicted result."

On their domestic hopes, Buffon believes Inter and Napoli are their greatest rivals for the Scudetto, while Roma could be cast adrift if Juve beat them on Sunday.

Buffon added: "The team at the top of the standings seems to change every week.

"Inter don't have to worry about European competitions, something that will have a big say on the championship.

"Napoli are a cohesive side, one of the best attacking teams in Europe and Maurizio Sarri has brought security to their defence. Napoli can win the title.

"The further away Roma are, the better it is for us. If we win on Sunday they will be 10 points back. It would be key because we are talking about a dangerous side."

[Socrates 8414]

Gianluigi Buffon to retire after 2018 World Cup in Russia

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/26/10828726/juventus-goalkeeper-gianluigi-buffon-to-retire-after-2018-world-cup

Jan 26, 2016

We knew this day was coming. For the last two years, Gigi Buffon has said that as long as his body allowed him to do so, then he would be taking part in the 2018 World Cup. And seeing as he turns 38 years old later this week, it's not exactly like Father Time is on San Gigi's side even though he continues to be the best of the best at a position where guys his age are usually backups or already retired.

But the Juventus and Italy captain has finally set a date for when his illustrious and record-breaking career will come to an end. Whenever the Azzzurri do bow out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the same will go for Buffon's time as a professional footballer, he announced on Monday.

Buffon, courtesy of ESPN FC, said the following after he was presented with the Gianni Brera award for Sportsman of the Year: "Am I going to sign a new contract? If we manage to reach the World Cup in 2018 then I'll press on.

"But after that ... I'll bring down the shutters."

We don't have to get into the discussion about how massive a hole there is to fill right now because there's still a good amount of time before Buffon actually does retire. And that's probably a good thing seeing as Juventus now know when they'll need a replacement to try and fill Buffon's massively important shoes, but also it gives us time to prepare for the day we see Buffon finally take off his Puma gloves for the last time.

At the age of 38, Buffon is still the gold standard for goalkeepers. People may freak out about what Manuel Neuer does or some other keeper in their mid- to late-20s, but Buffon is seemingly just as good as he was four, five, six, (fill in the blank here) years ago. His saves are still world-class worthy. His importance to the Juventus squad is still just as important as it was a decade ago. Or maybe it's even more, but that's for you all to argue.

At least there's still two and a half years of calendar time to go before the final time we see Buffon play for Juventus gets here. May there be plenty of saves — but not too many because that means Juve still has a good defense — and a few more trophies raised before that day in Russia actually does arrive.

[Socrates 8414]

Gianluigi Buffon: 20 Years Of Loyalty, Skill And Success

Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon turns 38 on Thursday January 28th,
Oscar La-Gambina looks back at an astonishing career to date for ‘Gigi’.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/gianluigi-buffon-20-years-of-loyalty-skill-and-success/?

Jan 28, 2016

Italian football has been graced with the quality of Gianluigi Buffon for over 20 years.

He began professional football with Parma in 1995, winning the UEFA Cup and the Coppa Italia, before moving on to the Serie A big guns Juventus and winning multiple trophies in Turin.

Many individual records are also held by Buffon, such as the runner-up in the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2006 and being a member of FIFA’s best squad for a number of different World Cups and European competitions.

Recent controversy surrounding the 2016 Ballon d’Or, in fact, shows just how good the Italian is in goal after FIGC decided to boycott the voting due to his absence from the shortlist.

Italian media got behind this stance and the point was made, but little actually came out of it in terms of awards for Buffon.

Nonetheless, he remains one of the top players in world football despite his age of 38-years-old.

Buffon revealed he is planning to retire following the conclusion of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, leaving him just one-and-a-half more seasons in Serie A to express his quality and try to replicate the success of Germany 2006 with the Azzurri.

To understand why Buffon has been part of the Italy backbone for such a long time, we must go back to the early 1990’s.

After joining the youth ranks of Parma, who were one of the biggest clubs in Italy at the time, Buffon initially appeared outfield, mainly in the middle of the park.

He then transferred to a place in between the sticks after watching the performance of Cameroon keeper Thomas N’Kono in Italia ‘90 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Fortunately for him, both youth keepers ahead of Buffon at Parma suffered injuries before making his senior debut in a 0-0 draw in the 1994/95 season against eventual champions AC Milan.

Buffon’s height and overall physicality gave him an advantage over his adversaries, and was as such chosen ahead of teammates Luca Bucci and Alessandro Nista for the 1996/97 season.

A 19-year-old Buffon kept 15 clean sheets in his first Serie A season in goal for the Crociati, conceding just 17 goals overall.

To put that in perspective, last season’s 37-year-old Buffon kept 18 clean sheets in Serie A and conceded 20 goals.

These performances didn’t go unnoticed, and over the next few years Buffon’s reputation continued to grow.

He gained the nickname of ‘Superman’ and won his first European trophy in 1999 when Juventus overcame Marseille 3-0 two lift the UEFA Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Buffon claimed the title of Best Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year twice while at Parma, before completing a move to Juventus for a world-record transfer fee(€52 million) for a goalkeeper; a record that he still holds today.

He replaced Edwin van der Sar at Jthe Bianconeri, immediately being given the number one shirt by coach Marcello Lippi, whom he would find success with in Germany five years later.

It was later revealed that the Italian could have joined Roma instead, or even Spanish giants Barcelona, but it was his father who convinced him that Juve was the place to win medals.

He did just that in his first season with the Bianconeri after he lifted the Serie A trophy.

Key performances continued to be put in by Buffon, saving penalties in high-profile matches while keeping crucial clean sheets, and several Scudetti followed, although the Calciopoli scandal at the time puts these into question.

That scandal proved to be a turning point in Buffon’s career, and one that is potentially the reason he is so loved by calico fans across the globe.

Juventus were relegated to Serie B following Calciopoli, causing a whole host of star players to leave the squad for new ventures elsewhere.

Not Buffon, however. He stuck with the Old Lady and helped them re-gain promotion back to the top-flight.

A second key turning point took place around this time, too: the 2006 World Cup.

Buffon let in just two goals throughout the entire tournament, one of which was a penalty while the other was an unfortunate own goal.

After becoming champion of the world with the Azzurri, he finished in second place in the 2006 Ballon d’Or, and his career appeared to have reached its peak.

The couple of years following Juventus’ Serie B win and Serie A return began to pose problems for the Italian, as he was hampered by various injuries.

Lack of playing time thanks to these led to speculation that Buffon would be on his way out, but once again he stuck with the Bianconeri and grew in popularity with the fans.

The year of 2011 saw the arrival of Antonio Conte, and this is the Juventus we are privileged to watch today.

They have won the Scudetto every year since then, despite changing coaches, and finished as Champions League finalists last season.

Although no other keeper had a real chance to showcase their talent in a Juve shirt thanks to the domination of Buffon, it is difficult to claim that someone could have done a better job than the Italian.

His desire to remain with the club alone made him be worshipped by fans, and his consistently strong performances mean Juventus are fearing the day that he hangs up his gloves.

[Socrates 8414]

Neto: ‘Learning from Buffon’

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/gianluigi-buffon-20-years-of-loyalty-skill-and-success/?

Feb 2, 2016

Juventus’ backup goalkeeper Neto insists he has a “good relationship” with Gianluigi Buffon.

The Brazilian left Fiorentina to join the Bianconeri on a free transfer this summer, with some viewing it as a strange choice, given Buffon has been Juventus’ first-choice since 2001.

“I came to Juventus to be part of the group,” Neto told Goal.

“It's one of the five, ten greatest clubs in the world. It's the coach's decision as to whether I play or not, but I'm always ready.

“I have a good relationship with Gigi, everyone knows he's a great professional and a wonderful person.

“To be able to learn from him day after day is a massive advantage to my growth as an athlete.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: ‘Most charismatic Juve’

http://www.football-italia.net/79612/buffon-%E2%80%98most-charismatic-juve%E2%80%99?

Feb 9, 2016

Juventus captain Gigi Buffon says the current side ‘possess more character than any other Juve team I’ve played in.”

The Bianconeri goalkeeper is preparing for Saturday night’s Scudetto showdown with Napoli and believes his side can learn a lot about mental strength from tennis star Roger Federer.

“The current Juve of Allegri is one that possesses more character and personality than any other Juventus team I’ve played in,” he said to ABC.

“Capello’s was the strongest team, and with Lippi the one that was most enjoyable.

“Tennis fascinates me: not just as a sport but also as a starting point for my sporting activities. I’m a fan of Federer: we often speak and excites me with his mental strength.

“We must always try to have that. Psychologically, tennis is the hardest sport. If you win you get the credit, but if you lose you have no possibility of finding excuses and placing the blame on others.

“My leadership? A good leader must step in only when it’s necessary, otherwise you become boring and lose credibility.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon voted greatest 'keeper

http://www.football-italia.net/79771/buffon-voted-greatest-keeper

Feb 12, 2016

Gianluigi Buffon has been voted the greatest goalkeeper of all time by France Football readers.

The Juventus and Italy shot-stopper dominated the poll with 44 per cent of the votes.

Fabien Barthez finished second with 17 per cent, followed by Lev Yashin and Oliver Kahn on seven per cent, Iker Casillas and Manuel Neuer with six per cent.

The others in the list were Edwin van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel, Dino Zoff, Petr Cech, Sepp Maier, Gordon Banks, Peter Shilton and Ricardo Zamora.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: Arsenal, Man Utd & City all tried to sign me

The legendary Juventus goalkeeper reveals that he had dinner with Arsene Wenger
over a potential move to the Gunners, while Sir Alex Ferguson was keen on him for "a long time".

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/02/22/20604962/-?

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says Premier League giants Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have all attempted to sign him during his illustrious career.

The 38-year-old revealed that he met with Arsene Wenger in 1998 to discuss a potential move to Arsenal, while legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also interested in taking him to Old Trafford when he was at Parma.

Buffon decided to stay in Italy, though, and moved from Parma to Juventus in 2001 before big-spending City later tried to entice him to the Etihad Stadium.

"I remember when I was 20 years old in 1998 I had dinner once with Wenger from Arsenal," Buffon told BT Sport.

"Then when I was at Parma, Manchester United definitely had their eyes on me for a long time with Ferguson.

"Let's say that the most serious and direct approach I had was from Manchester City. They wanted to start their adventure by signing two or three more renowned players and I was one of them. That was 2007 or 2008 roughly.

"However, nothing came of it for various reasons."

Buffon has earned legendary status at Juve having amassed over 550 appearances for the club, winning eight Serie A titles during that time - although two were subsequently revoked because of the Turin side's involvement in the Calciopoli scandal.

The Italy international has also reached two Champions League finals, but was on the losing side against AC Milan in 2003 and again versus Barcelona in the 2014-15 campaign.

[Socrates 8414]

Juve: Buffon sets new record

http://www.football-italia.net/80562/juve-buffon-sets-new-record?

Feb 29, 2016

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon sets a new personal record for clean sheets and aims for the all-timers.

The evergreen 38-year-old was seen rejoicing at the end of yesterday's 2-0 over Inter, not least because he had just beaten himself as well as the Nerazzurri.

Buffon has now gone 746 minutes without conceding a goal, one minute longer than his previous record. It's been eight games since he was last beaten.

The 'keeper is now eyeing the all-time greats, with the first place held by Milan's Sebastiano Rossi. To catch up, Buffon will have to equal the 928 minutes that Rossi went unbeaten back in 1993-94.

[Socrates 8414]

Zoff: ‘Buffon could beat my record’

http://www.football-italia.net/80671/zoff-%E2%80%98buffon-could-beat-my-record%E2%80%99?

Mar 2, 2016

Dino Zoff admits Gigi Buffon could surpass his clean sheet record, but insists he’s in a better Juventus team.

Zoff is second in the list all-time longest clean sheets in Serie A, going 903 minutes without conceding a goal in the 1972-73 season.

Sunday’s 2-0 win over Inter saw Buffon extend his own record to 746 minutes, and the 1982 World Cup-winner can see the current Azzurri number one surpassing him.

“Gigi is an amazing goalkeeper, and could even beat my record,” Zoff acknowledged in an interview with ItaSportPress.

“But the credit also goes to his team. Compared to our Juve, they have something more because they’ve won for consecutive Scudetti and reached the Champions League final.

“I congratulate Buffon, and I hope he continues to guard the Juventus goal for a long time.

“In the Champions League I think if Juve overcome the hurdle of Bayern [Munich] they’ll reach the final.”

The all-time clean sheet record belongs to Sebastiano Rossi, who went 929 minutes unbeaten in Milan’s 1993-94 season.

Zoff was also asked about the future of Italian goalkeeping, and unsurprisingly praised Milan’s 17-year-old prodigy Gianluigi Donnarumma.

“The Milan goalkeeper has an assured future, because not everyone can make their Serie A debut for a big club at 16.

“Well done to [Coach Sinisa] Mihajlovic for recognising the qualities of the lad. The Italian school has always been the best, and [Atalanta’s Marco] Sportiello is another number one with a great future.”

[Socrates 8414]

Juventus equal Serie A clean sheet record

Only the Bianconeri themselves and Milan have ever gone nine games without conceding
a single goal in the league, and Buffon could break the individual record in his next game.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/03/06/21053262/juve-equal-serie-a-clean-sheet-record?ICID=TP_HN_1

Mar 6, 2016

Another shutout for Juventus saw the Italian giants equal the Serie A record for most consecutive clean sheets against Atalanta.

Gianluigi Buffon was once more unbeatable in the Bianconeri goal, as the side strengthened their Scudetto chances with a 2-0 win in Bergamo.

The veteran goalkeeper has now gone nine games in a row without picking the ball out of the net, equalling a milestone held by Juventus themselves as well as Milan.

Inter have also achieved the mark, but across two seasons.

Antonio Cassano was the last man to defeat 'Gigi', in the 63rd minute of Sampdoria's 2-1 defeat back on January 10.

And now Buffon has another record in his sights.

Unbeaten for 843 minutes, the shot-stopper could overtake Dino Zoff, who went 903 minutes without conceding a goal in the 1972/3 season.

Former Milan 'keeper Sebastian Rossi holds the overall individual record, with a run of 929 minutes in 1992/3.

[Socrates 8414]

Zoff: ‘I hope Buffon beats my record’

http://www.football-italia.net/81023/zoff-%E2%80%98i-hope-buffon-beats-my-record%E2%80%99?

Mar 9, 2016

Dino Zoff “wouldn’t mind at all” if Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon beats his clean sheet record.

Zoff is currently second in terms of minutes without conceding a Serie A goal with 903, with Sebastiano Rossi out in front on 929.

Sunday’s 2-0 win over Bologna saw Buffon close to within 93 minutes of the all-time record, meaning he could set a new record with a clean sheet against Sassuolo on Friday.

“Records are made to be broken,” former Bianconeri ‘keeper Zoff told Gianluca Di Marzio’s website.

“Mine was already improved by Sebastiano Rossi. Of course, we know today that Buffon could reach me and set a new record and I wouldn’t mind at all.

“He was number one in the world and is currently among the best.

“I hope Gigi doesn’t concede, not just for this list but because going unbeaten would also help him to a fifth Scudetto in a row which would be very important for him.”

After a poor start to the season, the Old Lady are back on top of Serie A, but Zoff doesn’t think the race for the title is over yet.

“Juventus have a great chance, they have something more than Napoli but nothing can be taken for granted, not least because the Azzurri won’t give an inch.

“The credit for the comeback is divided equally between Allegri, the players and the club which was good at instilling confidence and never called the Coach into question.

“I think it’ll be more difficult in the Champions League though. Bayern [Munich] at home are a tough nut to crack, and they showed in Turin that they’re very strong.

“In the Champions League the pride which characterised the climb back up the League won’t be enough, they’ll need something more.”

[Socrates 8414]

Zoff: 'Buffon is the best'

http://www.football-italia.net/81164/zoff-buffon-best?

Mar 12, 2016

Dino Zoff is glad he was “beaten by the best” after Gigi Buffon and Juventus surpassed his Serie A record.

The 1982 World Cup winner now has only the third longest top flight clean sheet streak at 903 minutes, as last night Buffon took his run to 926 minutes of football.

With four minutes against Torino next week, Buffon will break the all-time record set by Sebastiano Rossi at Milan.

“I was sure it would happen sooner or later and Buffon has the most credentials. He is the best, superior to Rossi too. His secret is that he never rested on his laurels or his natural aptitude, instead working very hard to improve.

“Buffon’s record is also that of Juventus, because Gigi knows that if your teammates allow five shots on target, you can save four, but the fifth will probably go in,” Zoff told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“It’s not an issue of the times having changed, but rather the strength of the team you are playing with. This Juve can win its fifth consecutive Scudetto, a stratospheric achievement.”

Zoff hung up his gloves at the age of 41, so could Buffon match that career run too?

“I wouldn’t guarantee it, but physically he can do it. Perhaps it’s true that he is better now than a few years ago, but those are periods of form that do not depend solely on age.

“What reminds me of myself in Buffon is the way he ‘thinks’ in goal. You can use the time back there to ‘study’ the opposition in a more detached manner.

“Of course, you can’t let yourself get distracted by not doing anything for long periods. When I was playing, I’d do a running commentary in my head to not run the risk of getting distracted.

“People say he’s a leader like me, but in a much less silent fashion. I say that what makes the difference is how much and in what way you talk in the locker room. I did it too, of course respecting the rules of my role.”

Is there an heir to Buffon for the Italy gloves?

“Heir is a big word. There are a couple of young players, Mattia Perin and Marco Sportiello, who are doing well. Then there’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. It’s too early to say, but if someone is first choice for Milan at age 16, at the very least he’s got a big career ahead of him.”

[Socrates 8414]

Unbeaten for 926 minutes - history-maker Buffon
is the greatest goalkeeper of all time

With the Juventus ace set to surpass Sebastiano Rossi's Serie A record for minutes without
conceding a goal, it is time to recognise the 38-year-old as the finest No.1 of all time.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/03/18/21444362/-?

Mar 18, 2016

During a question and answer session with young Juventus fans last year, a boy stood up and introduced himself as Lorenzo from Parma.

"Here's my question," he began. "Why did you decide to go down to Serie B with Juventus [in 2006] when you were a World Cup winner, given so many other teams wanted you?"

"Hi Lorenzo," Buffon replied. "Say hello to Parma for me when you go home – it always has a place in my heart.

"I chose to drop down into Serie B with Juve because I thought of you. I thought about you because, in football, we talk a lot. But I firmly believe in certain moments you need to replace words with deeds."

Buffon has spent his entire career letting his football do the talking for him. When former Parma coach Nevio Scala came to him on November 18, 1995 and told him that he would be making his professional debut against AC Milan the following day, the then 17-year-old simply replied: "No problem, coach."

The following afternoon, Buffon turned in one of the most memorable goalkeeping performances ever seen in Serie A, making save after save as Parma earned an unexpected 0-0 draw against a side spearheaded by George Weah and Roberto Baggio.

Yet Buffon barely celebrated afterwards. Even when the press came looking for a soundbite from the new teenage sensation, he simply thanked Scala and Parma for the faith that they had shown on him. "It was as if he had done the most normal thing in the world," former team-mate Alessandro Melli revealed. "Almost as if he had not realised what he had done."

Despite the fact that Buffon would go on to become the most expensive goalkeeper in history when he left Parma for Juventus in 2001 and then a World Cup winner with Italy five years later, he never lost his humility.

When Juve were relegated due to their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal, Buffon rejected the advances of Inter, AC Milan and Arsenal. "If I have become world champion, it is thanks to Juve," he said at the time. "I can cope with a year in the second division and I will look to do something new by winning the Serie B title."

A man of his word, Buffon played a key role in Juve's triumphant return to Serie A at the very first attempt. His loyalty has never, and will never, be forgotten by Bianconeri fans. But it is typical of the man. He has never forgotten where he has come from. It is why he made a point of referencing Parma in the aforementioned Q&A session. It is why he invested money in his hometown club of Carrarese. And it is also why he greeted Federico Bernardeschi like a brother when his fellow Carrara native was invited to train with the Italy squad.

"He hugged me two or three times,” the stunned Fiorentina starlet told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "It was a great feeling. I had goosebumps."

Such acts of kindness and generosity are admirable on a purely human level but, according to former AC Milan No.1 Giovanni Galli, key to what makes Buffon such a great goalkeeper. When asked earlier this week what sets Buffon apart from his peers, Galli replied, "His character, which is the most important thing for a goalkeeper."

Certainly, when Buffon was at Parma, Scala, Melli and others noticed a maturity that belied his tender age. Yet nowadays, Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri regularly praises Buffon for retaining the enthusiasm of a youngster, believing it has been key to the 38-year-old's ability to maintain such on-field excellence for the past two decades.

Buffon's drive has undoubtedly been integral to him retaining such an important role for both club and country. As Juve midfielder Claudio Marchisio said after last weekend's win over Sassuolo, “Gigi is very important in the locker room as well as on the pitch, both as a captain and a man. He proves his professionalism and desire to improve every single day."

It is for this reason that he is such an icon to so many. Paul Pogba admitted during his first year at Juve that only after seeing how Buffon approached every single training session with such passion did he realise what level of dedication was required to reach the very top. Neymar confessed last year that he used to regularly pick Juventus when on his Playstation just so that he could be Buffon.

It is the respect of his rivals that is most telling, though. Buffon has humbly claimed that Iker Casillas is the greatest goalkeeper of his era yet the Spanish shot-stopper says that the Italian has always been his inspiration. "Anyone of my generation who dreamt of becoming a goalkeeper had the goal of emulating him," the former Real Madrid No.1 stated.

There are things that Buffon has achieved, though, that will likely never be emulated. Marks that will never be passed. On Sunday, against Torino, the Juventus skipper is likely to break Sebastiano Rossi's Serie A record of 929 minutes without conceding a goal. It would be a remarkable achievement but perhaps the fact that he overtook Dino Zoff's tally of 903 minutes last weekend was even more symbolic, given it is with Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning captain that Buffon is so often compared. "Two absolute leaders," Galli says, "men guiding the whole team."

Buffon has had his ups and down, most infamously in 2013 when Franz Beckenbauer labelled him a "pensioner" after a costly mistake in Juve's Champions League quarter-final loss at Bayern Munich. Yet here he is, once again on the verge of making history.

"He's the best goalkeeper of all time," former Juventus team-mate David Trezeguet argued. "I don't see anyone who has had the continuity Buffon has for the last 20 years."

"That he is still playing at such a high level [at 38] is indeed truly remarkable. I cannot explain how he does it," Trezeguet confessed.

Italy coach Antonio Conte agrees: “Finding the words to describe Gigi is tough."

But then, why bother? As Buffon is likely to prove once again on Sunday, actions speak far louder than words.

[Socrates 8414]

Tacconi: 'Smash Lewandowski's face!'

http://www.football-italia.net/81553/tacconi-smash-lewandowskis-face?

Mar 19, 2016

Former Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi said Gigi Buffon “should’ve smashed Robert Lewandowski’s face in.”

The Bianconeri had been leading 2-0 until the 73rd minute on Wednesday, but Lewandowski’s free header at the back post sparked the comeback for 2-2.

Bayern Munich eventually won 4-2 in extra time, progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals.

“Buffon should’ve come out earlier on Lewandowski, smash his face in and ensure he didn’t get the chance to finish,” Tacconi told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“I would’ve smashed everything, from his cheekbones to his knees, but goalkeepers aren’t like they were in my day. It’s all different now, we used to come tearing out.”

Tacconi was Italy’s second choice goalkeeper for many years and was asked which shot-stopper he’s tipping for a bright future.

“Gianluigi Donnarumma, without doubt. For all he’s doing at Milan, he’d deserve a place in the Euro 2016 squad. I’d let him be third choice and breathe in the atmosphere of a major tournament.”

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon record will be the "highlight of an amazing career" - Zoff

The veteran shot-stopper can break a Serie A record should he not be beaten
during the first four minutes against Torino - a feat that their ex-keeper has hailed.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2565/exclusive/2016/03/20/21514412/-?

Mar 20, 2016

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon will seal "the highlight of an amazing career" by setting a new Serie A record for minutes without conceding a goal this weekend, says club legend Dino Zoff.

Buffon has already beaten Zoff's record at Juventus of 903 minutes without conceding in Serie A following a 10th successive clean sheet in last week's 1-0 home win over Sassuolo.

The veteran 'keeper can smash Sebastiano Rossi's league record of 929 minutes without conceding - a feat he will claim if he keeps a shutout during the first four minutes of Sunday's tie with Torino.

And Zoff, who made 330 appearances for Juve during an 11-year stay before later becoming manager, feels Buffon will receive his just deserts for an "amazing career" should he achieve it.

"Gigi is a great champion," he told Goal.

"Memories are important but it's more important what you do for the team.

"Certainly this record would become the highlight of an amazing career.

"It should also be pointed out that the contribution of team mates is essential to hit certain targets.

"I believe that Juventus has gained an enviable defensive solidity that allows Buffon to face a few conclusions."

[Socrates 8414]

Gianluigi Buffon sets Serie A record
for minutes without conceding a goal

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/20/11268090/gianluigi-buffon-sebastiano-rossi-juventus-2016-serie-a-shutout-record

Mar 20, 2016

The guy who was deemed not worthy enough of a Ballon d'Or nomination has just made even more history.

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has now past former Milan shot stopper Sebastiano Rossi's record for most minutes in Serie A without conceding a goal. The record used to be 929 minutes, now it's 930 and counting as Buffon captains Juve in the final Derby della Mole of the season against city rivals Torino at a sunsplashed Stadio Olimpico.

As much as Toro sought to deny Buffon the record, they had no sniff of goal in the opening three-plus minutes.

Buffon hasn't allowed a goal since Juventus' 2-1 win over Sampdoria on Jan. 10. Since then it's been shutout after shutout, clean sheet after clean sheet and win after win. It's been 10 straight shutouts to be exact, with Juventus claiming wins in nine of those games. One goes with the other, and there's no doubting that Buffon and the rest of the Juve defense have played a huge role in Juve not suffering a loss since they last saw Torino on the final day of October.

Buffon's 17 shutouts are the best in Serie A this season.

Buffon's 14 goals allowed are the fewest in Serie A this season amongst goalkeepers who qualify.

So, in case you needed further confirmation, Buffon is still the best. (But we've known that for years, so we're not breaking any kind of news here.)

JuventusFC ✔ ‎@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "@gianluigibuffon's record? First let's make sure he gets it, then we'll aim to come away with a positive result."

He's got it all to himself, boss. Now it's time for Juventus to try and get the win over Toro.

[Socrates 8414]

Buffon: 'Record belongs to Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/81606/buffon-record-belongs-juve?

Mar 20, 2016

Gigi Buffon said his all-time Serie A record “belongs to Juventus, not me” after 974 minutes unbeaten.

The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet for over 10 games and shattered the existing record of 929 minutes set by Sebastiano Rossi at Milan in 1993-94.

“This morning I had a bit of a temperature and didn’t wake up feeling good, but I couldn’t miss this game,” Buffon told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

He was eventually beaten by an Andrea Belotti penalty in today’s 4-1 victory over Torino.

“Once the four minutes had passed and the record was broken, I was mainly focused on the game and ensuring we recovered from the heavy blow in Munich.

“I am happy to play in this team and the record belongs to Juventus, not me. I was also fortunate to achieve it, because my teammates stopped the opposition from creating chances. They worked their socks off to block every avenue and protect me.

“I started to think we could break this record in Bergamo against Atalanta, two Sundays ago. You kept asking me about it in interviews after three or four games that I hadn’t conceded, as if that was somehow odd!

“In all honesty, I didn’t think about individual records, as I always saw myself as a team man, but then I realised it’s wonderful too. It’s a reward because the more you think about the team, the more you are likely to get rewarded as an individual.

“At the age of 38 I still think I can express myself at a high level and that is thanks to my family, everyone from my parents and sisters to partner and children. When you are happy in your home life, you can push yourself further professionally.”

Buffon has won the World Cup with Italy, but has the chance for the European Championship this summer.

“I’ll give you a scoop – I think it’ll be my last Euros! I had many wonderful experiences with the Nazionale and won a marvellous trophy, coming very close to another.

“I have to say we are truly unlucky to have been strong during a period of six to eight years when Spain were untouchable.”