Italy captain Gigi Buffon has “the utmost respect for Norway” and Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus Champions League opponents Malmo.
Italy captain Gigi Buffon has “the utmost respect for Norway” and Juventus Champions League opponents Malmo.
The Azzurri travel to Norway for Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier, then the Bianconeri also travel to Scandinavia against the Swedes.
“There is a lot of tradition there,” said Buffon in a Press conference.
“They are very physical teams whose greatest strength is in the air, always creating a lot of problems for us.
“In recent years football has become more uniform, so the Scandinavian teams play like the rest of Europe. Norway no longer have only giant centre-forwards, but quick young strikers.
“There is a lot of respect for them, as we cannot afford to face any team in a superficial manner.”
Giorgio Chiellini is out of the Norway game with a calf injury and had been ready to stay with the Italy squad, but today was sent back to Turin by the Juve doctors.
“Is it causing a problem? No, just look at the code that was in place before: any time a player is injured and cannot play, he returns to his club.”
Buffon was told he is popular in Norway, particularly for the passion he puts into the national anthem.
“Many people have pointed out the way I sing the anthem. What I transmit to others at that moment is not planned or studied.
“I am quite simply honoured to represent my country, especially as I know the history of my country and am emotionally involved in it.”