Gigi Buffon believes the Cesare Juventus” data-scaytid=”4″>Prandelli-Juventus row was “a misunderstanding” and hailed Spain’s Iker Casillas.
The friendly kicks off in Madrid on Wednesday at 21.00 GMT, one of the last warm-ups before the World Cup.
Gigi Buffon believes the Cesare Prandelli-Juventus row was “a misunderstanding” and hailed Spain’s Iker Casillas.
The friendly kicks off in Madrid on Wednesday at 21.00 GMT, one of the last warm-ups before the World Cup.
However, the last couple of days have been overshadowed by Juve complaints that Italy called Giorgio Chiellini when still recovering from an injury.
“These are situations I cannot get involved in, especially as I don’t know what happened specifically and my role allows me to listen without judging,” said the Juventus and Italy goalkeeper in his Press conference.
“I have enough experience to know it is best not to get involved. In any case, I believe it was a misunderstanding. Everyone thinks they are doing their best to look out for their team and that is true of both the Nazionale and Juve.”
Buffon was asked whether he was considering his future and the possibility of stepping aside to let younger goalkeepers through.
“Since my back surgery in 2010, I have had 50-60 games per year for the last three or four seasons. I am back to giving consistent performances, which means I am in good shape.
“For a sportsman, the response is always on the pitch. That’s the response you journalists should look at too. If someone wants to try other options, then I will take that into account, without causing controversy.”
Buffon remains the undisputed Number 1 for Juventus and Italy, whereas his Spanish counterpart Iker Casillas is struggling to get games at Real Madrid.
“We managed to stay at the top level for 10-15 years, though it’s only normal that over such a long period of time there were some dips in form, but our strength has been our consistency. We weren’t the only top goalkeepers, as some forget Petr Cech, probably because he plays for the Czech Republic and not one of the bigger nations.
"Mario Balotelli? We have great affection for him and he always makes us laugh in the locker room, but this Nazionale must not be dependent on anyone, including Andrea Pirlo or me."