Buffon on Conte and Osvaldo

Saturday February 15 2014

Gigi Buffon is impressed with Daniel Osvaldo, accepts Antonio Conte’s Juventus punishment and ignores “gossip.”

The goalkeeper spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Serie A game against Chievo.

The Bianconeri had their Monday off cancelled by Coach Conte after fumbling a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Verona.

“It was a surprise and like all surprises can be good or less good. We didn’t jump for joy, but knowing the mentality of the Coach and what he wants to teach us, I wasn’t that surprised,” said Buffon.

“Now we’ve got Chievo and then the Europa League. We’re not afraid of playing a game every three days, as we prepared for this with a specific training schedule. We’ve got enough petrol in the tank to compete in both tournaments.”

Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are both likely to miss out against Chievo on Sunday.

“Absences just put more responsibility on the rest of the squad. Obviously we miss irreplaceable elements like Barzagli and Chiellini, but you win and defend with 11 men.”

Juve are also boosted for the Europa League by the arrival of Osvaldo on loan from Southampton.

“Pablo has shown himself ready to work hard for everyone and has been here for two weeks without making a noise. He has enthusiasm, as he knows how big an opportunity it is to be at Juve. Then there’s the World Cup and I think a player like him won’t let this chance slip away.”

Buffon has been in the headlines recently with gossip magazines alleging he’s ready to leave his wife Alena Seredova for Sky Sport Italia presenter Ilaria D’Amico.

“Fortunately I have such a great job that I don’t have to think about the rest. So much of my energy and focus is on the pitch.

“I am 36 years old and generally self-critical, so when I look in the mirror I know that I have defects, as we all done, but also that I am a very loyal, fair and honest person. Therefore I have nothing to feel bad about.”

Source: Football-Italia

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