Serie A

Buffon confident of title repeat

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is confident that Juve can win back-to-back titles this season, although he is still wary of the threats posed by their title rivals.

“The signs of the first seven races say that our growth continues, my Juventus is the strongest team,” he said. “And if Napoli then top go to win the Scudetto, we will praise them, but I think my team is the best equipped to fight until the end for the title.

“The coach influences Napoli in a positive way. They play compact and have a top notch squad. Surprises? Surely that Lazio has a technically very intelligent coach. Then the Inter have taken the road of renewal and can cause problems to the end. “

Buffon was speaking at a press conference ahead of Italy’s World Cup Group B qualifier against Armenia on Friday, where the omission of big name players Antonio Cassano and Daniele De Rossi dominated the agenda.

“I’m not surprised by his (coach Cesare Prandelli) call,” the captain said. “Yesterday the coach thoroughly explained the reasons. There is nothing shocking, for a Sunday the coach of his club kept him (De Rossi) out.”