Juventus expect Buffon to stay for many years

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta is confident that Gianluigi Buffon will see out his career with the Serie A side. The 35-year-old - who drew level with Fabio Cannavaro's record 136 Italy caps on Tuesday - has been with the Turin club since 2001, winning four Serie A titles in that time. 

Despite Buffon recently revealing that he considered leaving the Italian club in 2011, as well as rumours circulating of possible retirement, Marotta is confident that the former Parma man will be a Juventus player for years to come. 

"Buffon is a true champion," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He is a superlative professional. "My hope and wish is that he can defend Italy and Juve's goal for many years to come. 

'Extraordinary' Buffon saved Italy – Prandelli

The veteran keeper pulled off a number of stunning saves to preserve the Azzurri's 1-0 win over Bulgaria, leaving them just three points away from the World Cup

Cesare Prandelli admits Italy were indebted to an "extraordinary" peformance from Gianluigi Buffon after the keeper's heroics enabled the Azzurri to beat Bulgaria 1-0 on Friday.

Alberto Gilardino’s first-half goal gave Italy the lead in the World Cup qualifier in Palermo, but they had captain Buffon to thank for earning a vital three points as he pulled off several top-class saves as the visitors pressed hard for the equaliser after half-time.