Italy coach Cesare Prandelli never considered stripping Gianluigi Buffon of the captaincy over his role in the controversial match between AC Milan and Juventus at the weekend.

The Serie A title rivals drew 1-1 but Milan would have taken a 2-0 lead had Sulley Muntari's effort, which appeared to be well over the line when Buffon clawed it back into play, been given by the referee.

After the match the Juve keeper said he was not certain whether the ball had crossed the line, but suggested he would not have admitted it if he did have a clear view.

Prandelli, who leads the Azzurri in a friendly against the United States in Genoa on Wednesday, has been clear about the need for his squad to follow a 'code of ethics' - a belief that led to him overlooking Mario Balotelli, Pablo Osvaldo and Daniele De Rossi for various transgressions.

But when asked today if Buffon's conduct left his own position in question, Prandelli was clear.

"No, I never thought to take the armband off Buffon," he is quoted as saying in Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"As for his words after the match? Gigi does not need someone to defend him and after the match the players are still tense.

"It is hard to imagine a player on the field, when the officials aren't entirely sure, helping the referee. Those who have played football know it is not easy to report to a referee that the ball has entered the goal."

Prandelli is also certain the tempestuous nature of the clash will not have any effect on the harmony of his squad this week.

"The match had too much pressure, there were many clashes and we should all learn to go about the game in a more relaxed manner before, during and after," he said.

"The players of AC Milan and Juventus are joined together here by the blue jersey and any friction will be reconciled soon."