Juventus Still In With Title Chance, Says Buffon
ROME (Reuters) - Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes his club Juventus can still win the Serie A title despite their stumbling form.
A draw against lowly Fiorentina has added to doubts about the club's title credentials but Buffon remains defiant.
'Juventus are in difficulty but the television and newspapers have already excluded us from the championship this season,' said Buffon, quoted in the Gazzetta Dello Sport.
'I find that really exaggerated and it gives us a stimulus to do well.
'Our problems are all in the head and at the moment we have a lot of fear.'
Juventus started the season well after investing heavily in Buffon, Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Nedved and France defender Lilian Thuram.
But the fans have not been happy with recent performances and Buffon admitted that leaders Inter Milan and Chievo Verona are ahead of them in the pecking order at present.
'Inter are the biggest favourites at this moment in time. Their strike pairing of Vieri and Ronaldo puts fear into any side. But I see Roma and Chievo close behind who don't have any distractions.'
Juventus face Brescia on Sunday, and Buffon is confident it will end happily for the Turin club: 'They are a strong side and have a great coach in Carlo Mazzone who I really rate highly. It will be a tough game but I believe that Juventus will rise to the occasion.'
Juventus are currently fourth in Serie A, with 25 points, six points behind leaders Inter.
