Gigi Buffon says his motivation is the desire to prove his detractors wrong, and targets the Coppa Italia.
Buffon played no part in the Old Lady’s 6-1 win over Verona in the Cup last night, with Marco Storari deputising.
However, the 36-year-old insists the competition is important to the club, with Juve still searching for their 10th title having not lifted the trophy since 1995.
Gigi Buffon says his motivation is the desire to prove his detractors wrong, and targets the Coppa Italia.
Buffon played no part in the Old Lady’s 6-1 win over Verona in the Cup last night, with Marco Storari deputising.
However, the 36-year-old insists the competition is important to the club, with Juve still searching for their 10th title having not lifted the trophy since 1995.
“If we had won the Supercoppa, then we’d be at the halfway mark having exceeded all expectations,” Buffon told the club’s in-house television channel.
“Now I say that it is clear that this is a Juve team which is evolving, with many players that are finding maturity, we’re looking to consecrate our position in Europe.
“The goal is definitely to advance further in the Champions League, although it will be difficult, to continue as we have been in the Italian League, but also to win the Coppa Italia.
“It’s a trophy that a team like Juve have been missing for too long, it’s something which – if it’s possible as it has been in recent years – you should try to win.
“Last night [from the outside] I got a demonstration of the fact that we’re a very competitive team who show great togetherness with players of excellent quality. I saw that last night.
“Then, in the midst of it all it was a pleasure to see Pepe looking sharp again.
“It was also good to see the squad participating in a very important Coppa Italia match, it can only be positive for the team and for the atmosphere at the club.
“It further cements the bonds between us when we share moments of great joy, both between the players and the fans.”
Despite the crushing victory last night, the Italian international believes Sunday’s game against the same opponents will be very different.
“It will probably be a different game than yesterday’s, with a team which maybe won’t tackle us head-on like they did in the Coppa Italia match.
“They’ll also probably have a point to prove, because losing so heavily isn’t something that pleases anyone, and having seen the character of their Coach a little bit, they’ll be infused with anger and energy to avenge this defeat.
“We have two home games in a row, which is important, but only for us in the sense that when you’re in front you have the good fortune to know that everything is in your hands.
“So when there are games to be won we mustn’t waver, rather we must continue to show, above all to show ourselves, that we’re a team that knows when to push and when to catch our breath, even during the season.
“I must say, although I don’t like to celebrate, I’m really pleased with what I’m doing and what the team is doing.
“For a long time, everyone’s been waiting for me to… I don’t want to say collapse, but break down, and yet the thing I like most and that will motivate me until the day I die is to is to always bounce back and show that maybe there are certain things I’m doing now I wouldn’t have done 10 years ago.
“That’s the real challenge, that’s the motivation to continue with my team, and continue to impress alongside my team."