Italy doctor optimistic over Buffon

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon should be fit to play for Italy tomorrow when they host Denmark in a 2014 World Cup Group B qualifier, Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci said yesterday.

Media reports suggested Buffon, who is suffering from “fatigue in his left adductor” according to medical staff, could be replaced by Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis for the match at the San Siro.

However, Castellacci said Buffon’s injury should clear up in time.

“There’s no alarm. Buffon has a fatigued left adductor and like all muscle problems we’ll be keeping an eye on it. But it doesn’t mean he won’t recover in time,” said Castellacci.

Buffon did not train with the rest of the Italy team yesterday morning because he was undergoing physiotherapy on his adductor, which he injured in the 3-1 win away to Armenia on Friday.

Italy midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has expressed his hope that Buffon wins his fitness battle ahead of the qualifier against Denmark.

“Gigi is a leader in every sense, technical and charismatic, so we hope he can recover quickly,” Montolivo said.

“We need him. Buffon was decisive against Armenia and he’ll do everything possible to be there against Denmark.”