Dino Zoff says “it’s difficult for goalkeepers to get to the end” in the Ballon d’Or, after Gigi Buffon was snubbed.
Buffon was not included on the 59-name shortlist for the award when it was leaked this morning, a decision which saw outcry from the footballing world.
“Certainly the exclusion of Gigi should be discussed,” Zoff, himself a legendary goalkeeper, told Calciomercato.
Dino Zoff says “it’s difficult for goalkeepers to get to the end” in the Ballon d’Or, after Gigi Buffon was snubbed.
Buffon was not included on the 59-name shortlist for the award when it was leaked this morning, a decision which saw outcry from the footballing world.
“Certainly the exclusion of Gigi should be discussed,” Zoff, himself a legendary goalkeeper, told Calciomercato.
“He’s a true great and he deserved to be there. It’s difficult for a goalkeeper to get to the end in these competitions – I came second, once.
“These days, among other things, it’s even more complicated, as there are true phenomena like [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.”
Zoff is a former Juventus goalkeeper, and also took the time to discuss the Bianconeri’s start to the season.
“I don’t think the Juventus we saw against Manchester City and Sevilla should be considered a surprise. The Bianconeri have started badly this season, it’s true, but it’s in the DNA of the Old Lady to win, even against top teams.
“Questioning [Coach Max] Allegri after what he won last year is something I think is absolutely wrong. The team has changed a lot, and he has to be given the time he needs to square the circle.
“I’m sure eventually they’ll push forward and fight for the title.”