Gigi Buffon insists that Italy are in good shape ahead of Euro 2012 despite the latest scandal to hit the country.

“Things are going well and we’ll enter the competition with the desire to win it,” the goalkeeper stated at Coverciano on Wednesday. “That is the reason why we are all here…

Gigi Buffon insists that Italy are in good shape ahead of Euro 2012 despite the latest scandal to hit the country.

“Things are going well and we’ll enter the competition with the desire to win it,” the goalkeeper stated at Coverciano on Wednesday. “That is the reason why we are all here…

“The climate within the squad is very good and I’m not just saying that. There is the right amount of joy and abandonment here to work in the best way possible.

“There is nobody in the squad today that has been directly touched by what has occurred during these past few days.”

Italy will start the competition with a game against champions Spain on June 10, before ties against Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.

“I think Croatia could be a bit of a surprise,” the Juventus” data-scaytid=”4″>Juventus hero continued. “They have some top class players. And I fear Ivica Olic as he scored against me in World Cup 2002.”

Today’s Press conference wasn’t just about football though, given the numerous arrests of the last few days with regard to the betting match fixing probe on the peninsula.

And Buffon has been criticised over the last 72 hours for expressing his views at the weekend on why some games towards the end of seasons finish in draws.

“I can’t honestly tell you what is in my heart and what are in my thoughts,” he stated today. “I have had yet more confirmation that those people with a clear conscience can not express their opinions.

“Democracy and freedom, including that of thought, are the first things that should be preserved in life. Then one must accept any subsequent criticism.”

Buffon also criticised the way that the media have been reporting developments in the betting match fixing enquiry.

“You know about legal proceedings three or four months before they happen. People give evidence and you know what has been said 10 minutes later – it’s embarrassing.

“I have faith that those investigating will serve justice, but there is nothing worse than playing or speculating on the lives of people.”

Juventus boss Antonio Conte is also under investigation in reference to his time on the Siena bench last season.

“I have no fear of losing Conte [to a ban]. I haven’t even considered that after taking into consideration what he has said himself.”

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