Buffon: 'Juve used as an alibi'

Gigi Buffon believes the Scudetto will be a battle royal, but hit back at those who “use Juventus as a shield and an alibi” for their own failure.

The goalkeeper spoke to RAI television programme Dribbling and snapped at those who accuse the Bianconeri of benefiting from refereeing errors.

“I don’t like this controversy and it brings out this total inconsistency in the treatment of errors for and against Juventus,” said Buffon.

“This season the only really big mistakes I saw in our favour were against Catania. At times there is an exaggerated pandemonium around these matters. Juventus are used as a shield and an alibi by those who never win.”

Antonio Conte has missed the last four months due to the betting scandal, but his ban has expired and he is back on the bench tomorrow afternoon against Palermo.

“He brings a strong impact on to a team and I’ve rarely seen that in any other Coach. He transmits his rage and sporting ferocity.

“This is a season where we’re going to be in a battle, even if we are the favourites because we have reinforced and started well. This doesn’t mean our victory is to be expected, as that would be a terrible thought to allow. That’s just inviting surprises...”

Buffon also commented on those who put too much pressure on footballers to be role models.

“We need sporting fair play, but I do not take the responsibility of being an educator. Parents can’t just expect me to educate their children.”