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Euro 2016 Player Profile: Gianluigi Buffon of Italy

What is it about Italian players that means they never seem to age? Take the brilliant Gianluigi Buffon, for example, who is now 38 but has been playing for 22 years (since his debut in 1994). He is also continuing to star Italy's national keeper, with 160 caps to his name and a trophy haul that includes the 2006 World Cup.

 

He has also been superb in Euro 2016 too far, starring against Belgium and most recently during the 2-0 Second Round win over Spain. While Italy's superb defence largely kept the Spanish at bay, Buffon played a proactive role in organising his troops while he also saved brilliantly from Gerard Pique when the defender was poised to equalise late on.

 

Buffon's Journey So Far

Buffon Italy

With 22 years as a professional player (and a staggering 19 years as an international goalkeeper) you would think that Buffon would have played for a number of clubs. Instead, he has only represented two teams since his debut, emerging from Parma's U-19 side to represent the since-bankrupt senior team for seven years. He distinguished himself as one of the world's best keepers during this time, helping Parma to win two UEFA Cups, one Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italiana and secure a Serie A runners-up spot in 1997.

 

In 2001, Juventus made their move as the Old Lady of Italian football broke the world transfer record for a goalkeeper. They spent a staggering £39.66 million on the services of Buffon, but this investment has turned out be one of the best that the club has ever made. He has played in seven title winning sides during his time with Juventus, either side of his World Cup win and other domestic cup successes. Even more staggeringly, Buffon appears to be getting better with age, and his performances in Euro 2016 to date have underlined this.

 

Can Buffon Inspire an Italian Fairytale?

Buffon italy

While longevity is something that has characterised some of the best Italian players in modern history (think of Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta, for example), Buffon's consistency and continual improvement sets him apart as a professional. Not only do his cat-like reflexes and anticipation show no sign of diminishing, for example, but he is becoming increasingly authoritative and displaying greater demand of his penalty area with every passing year.

 

Another thing is for sure; if Buffon can continue his form in the current tournament, Italy will have an excellent chance of lifting the European crown on July 10th.

 

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