Buffon set for post-Cup operation

(GSM) – Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will delay his back operation until after the World Cup in order to remain with the Italian squad in South Africa. After the operation, the Juventus goalkeeper is likely to be ruled out for up to four months.

The former Parma shot-stopper was substituted during half-time in Italy’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. According to the Italian medical staff, Italy’s number one is suffering from a herniated disc.

Back-up goalkeeper Federico Marchetti will start for the game against New Zealand today but Buffon refuses to give up on his World Cup dream as he eyes a final date at the World Cup with the Azzurri.

“I thought a lot about it,” said Buffon. “But I have to think about myself before anything else. I will have an operation in Italy after the World Cup.”

He added in Gazzetta dello Sport:”I hope I can make it even though it will be tough. But I have to for Italy. I want the final. I would never say no to Italy. They would have to kick me out.”