Buffon: Busy schedule could hinder Juventus’ double bid

Gianluigi Buffon fears that Juventus’ busy schedule could hinder their trophy hopes this season as they prepare to host Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League just three days after edging closer to retaining their Serie A title with a win over Livorno.

The Bianconeri are clear favourites to progress to the last four after winning 1-0 at the Stade de Gerland last week but their captain is taking nothing for granted, particularly as he fears fatigue could be a factor.

“We won the first leg with a single-goal margin, but we have to be very focused,” Buffon told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We go into the game on the back of big games all close together and some players have been played a lot, so it will not be easy.”

Juventus are eight points clear of second-placed Roma in Serie A, with Antonio Conte’s men expected to wrap up their third successive Scudetto in the coming weeks, but Buffon says that they can not afford to take their foot off the gas.

“Unfortunately, the title is not yet won,” the Italy international continued. “Behind us are a top team in Roma, who believe in a comeback, so it should drive us to be very careful.

“The third title in a row would be the recognition of our work: I do not think we will get 100 points this season, but I want to win the championship.”