Soccer: Buffon’s the best says Prandelli

(ANSA) – Vercelli, October 21 – Italy coach Cesare Prandelli on Monday squashed speculation veteran Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon’s recent dip in form might put his starting spot in next year’s Brazil World Cup at risk.

“Buffon’s the best goalkeeper in Italy, the number one. He will be first choice at next year’s World Cup,” the Azzurri coach said.

Italy and Juve captain Buffon, 35, has shown a few uncharacteristic slips for club and country in the last couple of months and his underpar showing in Juve’s 4-2 loss at Fiorentina Sunday prompted the Italian press to say someone else might get the No. 1 jersey in Prandelli’s line-up.