 | FACTFILE Born: 28/01/78 Club: Juventus Position: Goalkeeper Debut: 29/10/97 v Russia |
Since joining Juventus for �33m in 2001 to become the world's most expensive goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon has persuaded many observers he is also the world's best. Buffon made his Serie A debut for Parma against AC Milan as a 17-year-old and quickly became a regular for the Gialloblu.
He made his international bow as a first-half substitute for the injured Gianluca Pagliuca in Italy's 1998 World Cup play-off with Russia.
Buffon missed Euro 2000 through injury but usurped Inter rival Francesco Toldo to keep goal at the 2002 World Cup.
He has a great record of saving penalties, parrying two spot-kicks in Juventus' Champions League final shoot-out defeat to AC Milan in 2003.
The 26-year-old will be hoping to make up for the disappointment of a trophyless season with Juve.
Did you know? Buffon is the nephew of former Italy and AC Milan keeper Lorenzo Buffon.
MMIX
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