Buffon encouraged by Juve display

Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus earned the "respect" of the rest of Europe at Stamford Bridge on Wednesdasy.

Last Updated: 20/09/12 at 14:47 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Champions League Winner 12/13 Win Outright: Juventus 40/1

Gianluigi Buffon: 'Wonderful effort'

Gianluigi Buffon: 'Wonderful effort'

Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus have earned the "respect" of the rest of Europe following their fightback to earn a draw away to European champions Chelsea.

Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella scored for the Serie A champions in reply to two early goals from Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar.

The tussle at Stamford Bridge saw Juventus impress and they almost pinched all three points when Quagliarella hit the crossbar late on.

Veteran goalkeeper Buffon, in his 12th season with Juventus after a £32.6million move from Parma, approved of Chelsea's second goal, a classy strike from Oscar which the Italian could do little about.

"It was a wonderful effort and in these instances you have to take your hat off to him," Buffon said.

But it was the performance of Juventus which particularly fired his enthusiasm.

"We're happy because we managed to secure a draw at a difficult venue," Buffon told his club's official club website juventus.com.

"But analysing the game we found ourselves two goals down in a casual fashion. The scoreline was harsh for what we had displayed on the pitch and the personality shown up until then.

"Of course, we could also have lost, but it still would have confirmed the fact that we're competitive and the others must respect us."

It was Buffon's 400th appearance for Juventus, and stirred memories of darker days in the club's recent history.

Relegated to Serie B in 2006 after their part in the Calciopoli scandal that rocked Italian football, Buffon stayed on and helped the team return to the top flight, with last season's league title their first since rejoining the elite.

Buffon said: "The fans, but also the players, had the dream to win the title and get back to competing on the European stage.

"This doesn't necessarily mean winning it, but having the respect of the other teams. And we've done just that."

Bet with SkyBet  Champions League Winner 12/13 Win Outright: Juventus 40/1

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