Buffon relishes danger tag

Buffon relishes danger tag


Gianluigi Buffon has reservations over Juventus’ title ambitions, but aims to enjoy their ‘dangerous’ reputation.

“I am too practical and realistic to see us getting the Scudetto this year, as there are at least two or three teams more organised and well-rounded than us,” said the goalkeeper.

“If we keep up this momentum and consistency in results, then we can aim for a Champions League spot.

“I think the right philosophy is that Juve are not quite as ready as Inter or Milan, so we should seek this role as a roaming danger for the others.”

The Bianconeri kept themselves in the running by holding leaders Inter to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico this evening.

“The draw is a good result, but clearly when you are there and your tails are up it is best to keep going rather than have regrets.”

This was their first official meeting since the Calciopoli scandal and thankfully there was none of the vitriol or violence that some had warned about.

“Personally speaking all that was at stake was three points against the Serie A leaders. The other issues can creep in and increase the tension, but all the players behaved impeccably,” noted Buffon.

“Everyone saw it the same way and we have to also thank the media for not making the run-up to this game too over-the-top.”

The World Cup winner kept his side in it with some fine saves, but retained his usual modesty.

“I did something good, but it’s what people expect of me and what I expect of me! Raffaele Palladino deserved his Man of the Match status, as he played brilliantly for 90 minutes and is really growing in that position.”

He had a tense moment when he spilled Cristian Chivu’s effort into the path of Esteban Cambiasso, but the goal was correctly disallowed for offside.

“I didn’t see Chivu’s free kick because there were so many players in the wall. We had looked at Inter’s tapes and noticed that often they got players offside from there and did well not to follow them.

“I tried to catch Chivu’s kick, but the pitch was very slippery and it got away from me.”

(channel4)