Gianluigi Buffon

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Gianluigi Buffon Hints At Juventus Stay

[Luigi Daniele 68]

http://www.football-italia.net/may26n.html

Gigi Buffon is 100 per cent staying at Juventus amid speculation that he might be part of a swap deal for Milan striker Marco Borriello.

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Juventus And AC Milan Chasing

Cagliari Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti

The impressive shot stopper may move to one of the Serie A giants...

May 25, 2010

Juventus and Milan are battling for the signature of Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, according to tuttomercatoweb.

Milan's goalkeeping problems have been quite evident in the last few seasons, with Dida, who has now left the club, and the injury-prone Christian Abbiati failing to produce on a consistent basis.

Marchetti could be their answer, as Marco Storari seems likely to remain with Sampdoria after a successful loan spell in 2009-10.

Meanwhile, Juventus consider Marchetti a capable replacement for Buffon should he leave the club. The press have suggested the Bianconeri will buy the 27-year-old this summer - regardless of whether the World Cup winner stays or departs.

Should Buffon remain with the Turin-based outfit, Marchetti would be loaned out to another team.

Marchetti's currently training with the Italian national team ahead of the World Cup and is expected to be part of coach Marcello Lippi's final 23-man squad.

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Juventus Set To Offer Milan Gianluigi Buffon

In Return For Marco Borriello

Juventus want Borriello from Milan, according to Italian reports...

May 26, 2010

Milan and Juventus are considering a deal which would see Gianluigi Buffon swap places with Marco Borriello, reports Tuttosport.

The Italian striker is Luigi Del Neri's first objective for the summer transfer market, and he could use Buffon as bait to land him. Milan are chasing a goalkeeper and, like Juventus, they have been linked with Cagliari's Federico Marchetti.

However, Juventus will offer Buffon and David Trezeguet in exchange for Borriello. They will then launch a bid for Marchetti to replace Buffon.

If Milan take part in any eventual deal, they will look to replace Borriello with either Edin Dzeko or Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But Ibra's agent Mino Raiola firmly denied his client was leaving Barcelona for Milan on Tuesday. He said an exit was highly unlikely because Barcelona "have no intention to sell".

On Monday, Buffon suggested he would be staying at Juventus.

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Gianluigi Buffon Is Happy At Juventus - Agent

Agent denies exit talk...

May 26, 2010

Gianluigi Buffon is unlikely to leave Juventus for Milan, according to his agent Silvano Martina, who has denied the latest reports linking him with an exit from Turin.

Tuttosport had claimed Buffon would be used as a makeweight in a deal that would see Marco Borriello of Milan join the Bianconeri.

However, Martina has made it clear the Italian international has no intention of leaving the club he joined in 2001.

"Gigi to Milan? Yes, he has already bought a house there," joked the agent as he told Tuttomercatoweb.com his client was not leaving.

"He is being linked with a number of teams at the moment, but he is under contract with Juventus. And he is happy there."

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Juventus Want Me To Stay, And I Will - Gianluigi Buffon

Goalkeeper and agent insist there will be no move away from Juve...

May 27, 2010

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said he wants to remain at the club and he is looking forward to a brighter campaign next term.

He has recently been linked with Milan, with reports claiming he would be used as a bargaining tool for a move for Marco Borriello.

But the Italian international has made it clear his will is to continue playing in Turin.

"As everyone knows, I have a linear situation with Juventus seeing that both myself and them want to continue working together," he is quoted as saying on Stadionews.it.

"I have affection from the fans and club and this is very important to me. It's a value that cannot be obscured, and thus it means a lot for this new adventure."

Buffon's agent Silvano Martina backed his client's stance, denying reports of any move.

"There are no doubts that Gigi will remain at Juventus. There has been plenty of transfer talk over the last few weeks, but that's all it has been," the agent told Radio Milan Inter.

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Gianluigi Buffon Criticises Jabulani Ball

The latest to vent regarding the sphere is the Azzurri number one...

Jun 1, 2010

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has joined the chorus of players who have criticised the official World Cup 2010 ball, the Jabulani, saying it is unpredictable.

Brazil shot-stopper Julio Cesar has already taken a swipe at the ball's design over the course of the last week, as has Buffon's Italy team-mate Giampaolo Pazzini.

"The World Cup brings together the best players on the planet, these champions must be given something decent," he was quoted as saying by Ansa at the Sestriere training camp.

"The new ball is not decent, not just for goalkeepers but for everyone. Its trajectory is unpredictable."

Buffon is assured a spot in Italy's 23-man World Cup squad, expected to be announced later on Tuesday. The Azzurri's first match of the tournament is against Paraguay on June 14.

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Gianluigi Buffon - I Will Never Go To Inter

The 32-year-old custodian has laughed off Inter suggestions...

Jun 10, 2010

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has declared he has no interest in ever linking up with Inter.

The Azzurri No.1 has been linked with football away from the Stadio Olimpico after nine years of service with the Old Lady.

Milan and Manchester City have both been reported as possible suitors, but Inter are understood to be on the lookout for a keeper to challenge Julio Cesar for a starting role.

And while Buffon did not mention the first two clubs, or even his future at Juventus, he was very firm in his assessment of the Serie A champions to Tuttosport: "One thing I can say with certainty: I will never go to Inter."

Buffon, who cost Juventus

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Juventus Look For New Goalkeeper

As Gianluigi Buffon's Injury Causes Unrest

The Old Lady seek Gigi substitute...

Jun 17, 2010

Juventus are in the market for a new custodian following Gianluigi Buffon's World Cup injury, according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

The Azzurri No.1 was substituted at half time during Italy's World Cup Group F opener against Paraguay on Monday because of a back problem.

Tests later showed Buffon has a spinal disc herniation, a problem which may require the 32-year-old to go under the knife and face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Old Lady are already preparing for life without Buffon, and have identified Marco Storari of Milan and Chievo Verona's Stefano Sorrentino as likely candidates to replace Gigi.

Storari has been linked with a move to Sampdoria after playing at the Marassi on a season-long deal, but his agent recently stated that the 33-year-old would remain at the San Siro.

Sorrentino, who represented Juventus from 1997-98, signed for Chievo Verona on a permanent basis last year after a season on loan there, but he has been a bit-part player with the Flying Donkeys.

It is believed that Juventus will set their sights on Monaco's 23-year-old keeper Stephane Ruffier, an Under-21 international for France, if they fail in their efforts for the Italian duo.

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Gianluigi Buffon Hopes He Can Recover

From Injury As He Aims For The Final

Italy goalkeeper has offered a glimmer of hope in relation to his recovery from a back injury...

Jun 18, 2010

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has spoken of his hopes to recover and play a part at the World Cup, keeping his fingers crossed that the Azzurri go all the way.

A source of hope has empowered the goalkeeper as he holds strength and belief in relation to his spinal disc herniation.

Buffon has summed up his confidence and hopes to achieve a full recovery, despite being told by doctors there is no timescale over returning to full fitness.

"I hope I can make it even though it will be tough. But I have to for Italy. I want the final," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

There were some broken suggestions in the Italian press that Buffon was ready to head back to Italy to focus on his recovery.

But he insists he wants to stay in South Africa to be close to the team, regardless of his injury.

"I would never say no to Italy. They would have to kick me out," he concluded.

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Juventus Will Stick With Gianluigi Buffon - Agent

Injury will not affect Buffon's club future, claims agent...

Jun 19, 2010

Gianluigi Buffon's agent Silvano Martina has curbed panic following the goalkeeper's back injury, making it clear Juventus will not give up on him.

The latest from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is that Buffon could require surgery to solve his spinal disc hernation problem, and he may be out for several months.

Juventus have made plans to sign Marco Storari on a thre-year deal from Milan as a replacement for Buffon. Concerns surrounding the 'Gigi' is growing, but Martina feels Juve will take essential steps to safeguard his future.

"There is not much to say, Buffon is obviously not pleased with what is happening," the agent told Calcionews24.com.

"However, injuries happen in football. There is no need to worry, Juventus will continue to trust him."

Sky Sport Italia report the goalkeeper will not travel to Nelspruit on Saturday night with the Italy squad for Sunday's clash against New Zealand.

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Gianluigi Buffon Undergoes Surgery

The 2006 World Cup winner is expected to be out of action for a few months...

Jul 4, 2010

Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has undergone surgery on his back on Sunday, according to the club's official website, juventus.com.

The Italy custodian only featured for 45 minutes in their dismal World Cup 2010 campaign before bring substituted in a 1-1 draw with Paraguay. It was later revealed that the player suffered a herniated disc.

It was already expected that the former Parma man would need the surgery and was confirmed after another consultation by medical experts in the morning. The 32-year-old had the operation at the Casa di Cura La Madonnina that performed by a number of specialists later during the afternoon.

On Monday, a diagnosis and recovery time for the player will be revealed, but early indications suggest that the shot-stopper may not return until the new year. Former Milan and Sampdoria goalkeeper Marco Storari has been brought in as his deputy.

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Gianluigi Buffon Sounding Optimistic After Back Surgery

Juventus goalkeeper on the road to recovery after operation...

Jul 5, 2010

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has expressed his relief after having surgery to fix a spinal disc herniation.

Buffon is expected to be on the sidelines for up to three months following the operation in Milan's Madonnina clinic.

But he sounded optimistic as he was discharged on Monday afternoon.

"I have removed a big weight. Maybe this operation should have been done before, but it's gone well and I have faith, and I am tranquil," he told the press.

"I am in no rush to recover and I will take as long as it takes without risking a reccurence.

"Seeing my role as a goalkeeper, I still feel I have a long career ahead of me and I can prolong it at the highest levels."

National team football is the pinnacle for every player, and Buffon has gone one further after being told by Cesare Prandelli he will be captain.

"For me it represents the maximum that a player can aim for and it's an honour for me," he added.

"I have always had Prandelli as an opposition coach, but he is always prepared and one who always has a strong rapport with his players in which he swaps ideas with them."

However, despite the success of his operation, Buffon still suffers the pain of World Cup elimination.

"It's very disappointing and it was grave for a player like me to renounce such a competition," he said.

"I could have given a hand to a group in difficulty, but having been eliminated so early, I don't regret not being there."

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Buffon Tells Juventus To Sign Edin Dzeko

Gianluigi Buffon drops Dzeko hint as club gets to work on signing the Bosnian from Wolfsburg

Jul 12, 2010

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is pushing the club to sign Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as negotiations resume over a possible transfer.

Dzeko, who is also being courted by Manchester City, is said to want Juventus, and Italian director Giuseppe Marotta is expected to meet German counterpart Dieter Hoeness to get talks back up to boiling point.

And Buffon hopes the move boils over and transforms into a solid deal.

"Dzeko is a player who does not need any introduction," Buffon told Sky Sport Italia.

"I think he is among the top five strikers in Europe now and he has been for at least two years. He would surely be a great buy."

Injured Buffon, who is recuperating after his recent back operation, feels rapid progress is being made under coach Luigi Del Neri.

"He has always done well wherever he has been. I think he has the right qualities to stay at a club like Juventus for a very long time," he concluded.

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Gianluigi Buffon To Return From Back Injury In December

The 2006 World Cup winner should return towards the end of the calendar year...

Aug 9, 2010

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has begun his rehabilitation following surgery to the back injury that saw him ruled out after just 45 minutes of this summer's World Cup in South Africa. He is expected to return to training in December, revealed Tuttosport.

The veteran had an operation on his back five weeks ago and underwent an MRI before engaging in the first session of his road to recovery. His programme will see him work five hours a day in order to return to top form.

The shot stopper has had a few back injuries over the last couple of seasons that have forced him to endure spells on the sidelines. The club have brought in former Milan and Sampdoria goalkeeper Marco Storari to take his place between the posts.

Buffon joined the Turin giants in 2001 from Parma, quickly becoming renowned as one of the top goalkeepers in world football. He also has over 100 caps at international level for the Azzurri.

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Manchester United Preparing

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Mario Balotelli Can Become A Phenomenon

For Italy - Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon feels Italy can win World Cup 2014, with Mario Balotelli leading the way.

Aug 31, 2010

Gianluigi Buffon believes Mario Balotelli can enjoy a telling career with Italy and he has tipped them for glory at World Cup 2014.

A less than perfect adventure in South Africa forced the Italians to hastily repair the damage that broke their chances of success this summer.

But Buffon has picked out Balotelli as the man who can safeguard future hope.

"Is Balotelli and Cassano a gamble? It's the journalists who wanted this, but they are very good players," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"I think that Balotelli is the only potential phenonmenon that we have. Now we have to enjoy every achievement and reorganise ourselves.

"If we do this then we can play against anyone for Brazil 2014."

Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia claim Antonio Cassano has arrived at Coverciano and will be available to Cesare Prandelli for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia and the Faroe Islands.

Cassano deferred his arrival following a back problem. Balotelli was not called up to the squad following his recent knee injury.

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Gianluigi Buffon's Juventus Return Postponed Until 2011

Juventus will have to wait until 2011 before having Gianluigi Buffon available for selection.

Sep 3, 2010

Hopes of seeing Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon back between the sticks before the new year have been dashed, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The goalkeeper is nursing his way back to fitness after a herniated disc operation and he has decided to take it slowly to ensure he returns 100 per cent fit. Reports last month suggested he could be back in December, but that is unlikely.

Buffon does not want to risk a relapse by rushing his return and thus he is unlikely to be back in action until 2011 at the earliest.

He has been working hard on his return and could be back for the first game after the Christmas break when Juventus play host to Parma at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.

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Gianluigi Buffon: Byron Moreno Was On Drugs At World Cup 2002

Italy goalkeeper takes a dig at Byron Moreno following his arrest over heroin possession.

Sep 22, 2010

Gianluigi Buffon has turned his nose up at arrested former referee Byron Moreno after he was allegedly caught in possession of six kilograms of heroin by New York police.

Buffon was in goal when Moreno caused shock and scandal at World Cup 2002 as Italy lost to co-hosts South Korea.

It was a long line of errors by the Ecuadorian ex-referee which led to one of the World Cup's biggest shocks in history as the Azzurri felt cheated by his whistle.

And Buffon has been the first to react to Moreno's arrest.

"Six kilos of drugs? I believe Moreno had this already in 2002, but not in his underwear, in his body," Buffon is quoted as saying on Eco Dello Sport.

"Apart from the jokes, when people in sport enter the world of drugs it means that we risk scraping the bottom of the barrel as sport loses its values."

Christian Panucci, who also played in that game, went in sword and fist as he slammed Moreno.

"He was a disaster then and he has proved it now," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"He was put in place to eliminate Italy. He is a bandit, he is not a serious person. Someone found to be in possession of drugs means he was not professional.

"Look at the images, he was too fat to referee. The game ended for us after an hour back then. We felt we might as well had gone home there and then."

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Gianluigi Buffon Will Not Leave Juventus - Agent

Buffon's agent Silvano Martina has stressed the goalkeeper

will not be leaving Juventus.

Oct 7, 2010

Gianluigi Buffon's agent Silvano Martina has sent a potent message to those wanting the goalkeeper away from Juventus: "There is no truth in the transfer rumours."

Buffon is recovering from surgery to repair a herniated disc that has been a long-term problem but was aggravated during Italy's World Cup adventure.

Nevertheless, there is no cause for concern as Martina rejects all exit talk.

"Premier League? What? Every now and again you have someone that wakes up in the morning and says Buffon will go to this team or that team," the agent told Football Transfer.

"It's normal for Buffon to be quiet in this period as he is focusing on his recovery.

"I don't think any team would be looking for him in this situation. Buffon has three years of contract with Juventus and therefore there is no truth in the transfer voices."

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Gianluigi Buffon Is The

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Gianluigi Buffon Targets January Return

Buffon hopes January will see him return between the sticks for Juventus.

Oct 11, 2010

Italy's first choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has set a personal target of January 2011 for his return to action, says theworldgame. The Juventus keeper injured himself in the Azzurri's opening game of the World Cup in South Africa.

Buffon was substituted during the game with Paraguay after suffering a herniated disk and has been replaced by Bologna's Emiliano Viviano under the new national regime of Cesare Prandelli.

When Buffon does return to the national set-up, it is believed that he will take the captain's armband after Fabio Cannavaro's international retirement.

Buffon has been caught in a speculation frenzy in recent days suggesting he may not be wearing the Old Lady's shirt when he finally returns to action, but the 32-year-old has assured fans he will remain in Turin.

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Gianluigi Buffon Linked With

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Gianluigi Buffon Makes Appearance At Italy Training

Injured goalkeeper has made an appearance at Italy training

prior to their Euro 2012 qualifier against Serbia.

Oct 11, 2010

Juventus custodian Gianluigi Buffon has made a surprise appearance at Italy training, as the Azzurri prepare to take on Serbia in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

Buffon has been out of action with a herniated disc problem since the World Cup, but appeared to encourage his team-mates prior to their match.

"Antonio Cassano was the first person to give me a hug when I arrived," the shot-stopper told Sportal. "He said I was the closest to him, and I replied that I am here to see some champions at work."

The 32-year-old says he is eager to return for the national team, but it will be up to Cesare Prandelli as to when he can play for the Azzurri.

"The national team? Prandelli will decide. Being here, I am already starting to gain the will to grab my jersey, socks and boots and begin to get onto the field," added Buffon.

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Gianluigi Buffon Voted The Best Goalkeeper Of The Last 25 Years

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is better than Peter Schmeichel, claims the IFFHS.

Oct 22, 2010

Gianluigi Buffon is better than Peter Schmeichel, Iker Casillas and a host of other legendary goalkeepers, according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics.

Members of the organisation voted for the best goalkeeper of the past 25 years, and Buffon came out on top with 197 votes to his name.

And while their top 10 list is open to debate, the Juventus man sits on the summit. It's also worthy to note that there are no English national goalkeepers in the list.

Here is the top 10 list, according to the IFFHS.

1: Gianluigi Buffon

2: Peter Schmeichel

3: Edwin van der Sar

4: Iker Casillas

5: Oliver Kahn.

6: Jose-Luis Chilavert

7: Andoni Zubizaretta

8: Walter Zenga

9: Claudio Taffarel

10: Michel Preud'Homme.