Player Talk : Buffon

Buffon to skip Reggina
Wednesday 20 February, 2008

Juventus will rest Azzurri goalkeeper Gigi Buffon for this weekend’s trip to Reggina.

Buffon has been struggling with a back problem for over a month and is still not 100 per cent, despite returning to the starting line-up for key games against Roma and Udinese.

The Juve medical team fear that the injury could become more serious if Buffon doesn’t rest his back for the next week and are keen to ensure that he is fit for the Turin derby next Wednesday.

The hope is that the former Parma man will also take the gloves for Week 26’s key clash against Fiorentina.

Buffon continues to work individually with goalkeeping Coach Giorgio Pellizzaro and fitness guru Riccardo Capanna.

He has also not been taking part in any of the five-a-side games at Vinovo, but is able to dive comfortably.

Emanuele Belardi will make his fourth start of the campaign at the Stadio Granillo and youth custodian Cristiano Novembre will sit on the bench.

(Channel4)