Buffon behaves when faced with another penalty
naples — There wasn’t a hint of protest from Gianluigi Buffon this time.
Returning to the Champions League following his threematch ban for comments about the referee last season, Buffon immediately realised there was no point in arguing when Napoli was awarded a penalty that turned out to be the equalizer in a 1-1 draw Tuesday.
Buffon and Paris Saint-Germain teammate Thiago Silva had just sandwiched Napoli forward Jose Callejon.
“I didn’t protest when the penalty was assigned because I usually don’t when it’s not a controversial play,” Buffon said. “Whereas in Madrid I thought I was treated unfairly — not for the ban — but for the incredible red card I was shown.”
While Buffon was still at Juventus, he was sent off at the end of a quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Real Madrid for protesting an injury-time penalty. Buffon then told reporters that referee Michael Oliver had “a garbage bag for a heart.”
Buffon’s behavior in Naples was impeccable, especially considering that he was showered with loud boos and whistles upon each touch.
The fans at the San Paolo Stadium still consider Buffon an enemy after he spent nearly two decades at rival Juventus.
“I’ve never seen anyone come to Napoli and play easily here,” Buffon said. “As I told my teammates, I’ve had a pretty long career and I’ve won at Napoli twice, so it’s pretty complicated.”
Buffon’s recent transfer to PSG was surprising amid expectations that he would retire at the end of last season.
But at the age of 40, Buffon showed over a short span of the second half that he’s still one of the world’s best goalkeepers with an array of spectacular saves to deny Napoli’s darting forwards Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne.
Before Insigne converted the penalty, Buffon smiled at his former Italy teammate.
“I wasn’t able to distract him,” Buffon said. “But I’m happy I was able to do my part for the squad in such a delicate match.” —