Gigi plans pre-Euro rest

Gigi plans pre-Euro rest
Friday 28 March, 2008

Gigi Buffon is planning to rest his back ahead of Euro 2008, as soon as Juventus secure Champions League qualification.

The Azzurri No 1 has been suffering from pain in his lower back for the last few months and has been forced to sit out several games this term.

The problem is unlikely to require an operation and there would be a risk of a long absence, so Buffon has been advised to sit out a few games at the end of the season to ensure he is at 100 per cent for Italy’s European Championships adventure in June.

“As soon as we are mathematically certain of Champions League football, I will rest,” Buffon explained.

“I will need around 20 days to get back to full fitness. There is already a week to recover between the end of the season and the Italy camp before Austria and Switzerland.

“I am feeling good. I am not at 100 per cent, but I won’t have an operation. I am convinced that physiotherapy will be enough and all I need is a little relaxation.”

Juventus lead fifth-placed Milan by a commanding nine points and should guarantee Champions League a few games ahead of the end of the season.

However, Bianconeri President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has declared his intention of finishing in second place and he may want Buffon to play all the way through should Juve close Roma’s six-point lead in second.

*channel4