Gianluigi (Gigi) Buffon (born January 28, 1978 in Carrara, Italy) is an Italian football player. He is a goalkeeper for Juventus and the Italian national team, and is generally regarded as one of the finest keepers in the world.
Buffon started his career with Parma in 1995. In 2003, he won the 'Most Valuable Player' and 'Best Goalkeeper' awards at the UEFA European Football Awards. Buffon currently has the world record transfer fee for a goalkeeper after his July 2001 move from Parma to Juventus for 33 million. He was named by Pel as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.
After backing up Gianluca Pagliuca at the 1998 World Cup and missing Euro 2000 with an injury, Buffon started for Italy at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. He was a member of the Italian Olympic Team at the 1996 Olympic Games.
In 2004/2005, Buffon helped Juventus to their third Serie A title in four seasons. His stunning saves in the crucial match against AC Milan months earlier virtually won the title for the Old Lady.
Buffon started his Italy career with the Azzurrini (under-21 squad) and was part of the Italy team that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 1996.
Gigi was soon called up to the full Italy team. Then on 29/10/97 during Italy's friendly match against Russia, Gianluca Pagliuca picked up an injury and Buffon was called on to replace him, making his national team debut at the age of 20. Buffon had became the second youngest Italy goalkeeper of all time. Gigi began to establish his name at international level, growing from strength to strength people were begining to take notice of this great young player. Dino Zoff hailed him as the most promising young keeper in the country. Buffon was then picked for the full squad at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, but did not play.
With the EURO 2000 qualification coming closer and closer, Gianluigi Buffon and Francesco Toldo became Italys first choice goalkeepers. Gigi's exceptional league form with Parma made him the automatic first choice, he started seven of Italy's EURO 2000 qualifying matches, keeping four clean sheets. Gigi was Italy number one and looking forward to the finals, and then disaster struck, Buffon broke his thumb in one of Italy's last games ahead of EURO 2000 and was ruled out of the competition, with Buffon's absence Francesco Toldo became Italy's new number one.
Francesco Toldo was instrumental in Italy's EURO 2000 campaign and was later voted goalkeeper of the tournament. Even after Toldo's heroics, Gigi managed to win back his place as Italy number one.
Gianluigi Buffon is currently Italy's first choice goalkeeper and is expected to remain it for many years to come.
Who I'd like to meet:
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Ciao ragazzi iscrivetevi numerosi al nuovo fan club de "La Perla del Sannio", moltò più che un'affittacamere a Sant'Agata dei Goti... regalati un week-end di arte, relax e natura!
10/29/2009
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