Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci has praised Gigi Buffon for his positive attitude to his recent injury issue.
The goalkeeper sustained a sprained ankle on the eve of the Azzurri’s opening World Cup clash with England, but yesterday returned to training and could be in contention to feature against Costa Rica on Friday.
For the national team’s chief medic, the veteran’s response to the initial set-back was admirable, particularly in light of the ‘keeper’s back issues four years ago ended his 2010 World Cup prematurely.
Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci has praised Gigi Buffon for his positive attitude to his recent injury issue.
The goalkeeper sustained a sprained ankle on the eve of the Azzurri’s opening World Cup clash with England, but yesterday returned to training and could be in contention to feature against Costa Rica on Friday.
For the national team’s chief medic, the veteran’s response to the initial set-back was admirable, particularly in light of the ‘keeper’s back issues four years ago ended his 2010 World Cup prematurely.
“We had the feeling of experiencing once more what we had done so before,” Castellacci has told Tuttosport this week.
“But then we discovered that the ankle issue is less severe than expected and Buffon began to smile.
“He is really a great champion – even though he was injured he quickly found a positive focus, saying: ‘It is going fine, I can still be a part of this World Cup’.
“And then he continued to smile for the rest of the time in Manaus. He has been close to Sirigu, encouraged him and went to the sidelines, always smiling.
“Sometimes the strength of mind is worth more than any medicine. Also in the recovery of Buffon and De Sciglio, they are affected by both the atmosphere of the rest of the group and their optimism in dealing with the difficulties.”