Reaching final a good result, says Italy's Buffon

Reaching the final of Euro 2008 would be a good result for world champions Italy, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said.

Roberto Donadoni's side are among the favourites to lift the trophy in Vienna on June 29 but Buffon said it would be difficult to repeat their 2006 World Cup triumph, where they beat France on penalties in the final.

"After having won the World Cup on penalties, if Euro 2008 also goes to penalties the laws of chance could mean you lose. However, getting to the final would already be a good result," he told Reuters.

"We are one of the more serious candidates for overall victory because of the World Cup and therefore it is normal that there are many expectations surrounding us.

"But having already won the respect of all our opponents is a great achievement."

Widely regarded as one of the world's best keepers, Buffon helped club side Juventus to third place in Serie A this season and a Champions League qualifying spot.

He said having Juve team-mates Alessandro Del Piero, Giorgio Chiellini and Mauro Camoranesi in Italy's Euro 2008 squad was a big boost.

"I am happy because they are team-mates with whom I share my work and with whom I have played a whole season. If we are able to do something important together like Euro 2008, you are proud of this," the 30-year-old added.

Buffon was playing in Italy's second division two seasons ago following Juve's demotion for their part in a match-fixing scandal.

He said the art of goalkeeping was the same across the divisions but that Euro 2008 was a step up.

"The difference is small. If you find pleasure in your work I think little changes playing in Serie A or B.

"When you play for Juve you are always used to playing to win," he said. "Definitely with the national team it is a different kettle of fish."