Buffon 'Frightened' Of Roma Strength
Wednesday 2nd January 2002
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that his side must step up a gear if they are to prevent Roma regaining the Scudetto.
"They are the real problem," he said. "I am afraid of Capello's team - Roma are physically and technically strong. They know how to win matches and they know how to win the title."
The Italy No 1 added on Wednesday night that Serie A was more important to him than the Champions' League and the World Cup.
"I imagine that 2002 will be full of emotion with such great competitions. But I must put the Scudetto first. I am focused on that now," he said.
And Buffon is confident that Juve are in good shape. "We showed we don't need new players by demolishing Brescia 4-0 in our last game. I believe we can go on from here," he said, adding that the other big danger came from leaders Internazionale.
"They are also a good side, even without Christian Vieri and Ronaldo. And you can't forget that on the bench they have players like Mohammed Kallon."
The goalkeeper is keen to consign the first half of the campaign to the past, especially the 3-1 Champions' League defeat to Arsenal. "I want to forget my mistakes, particularly the ones I made in London against Arsenal. That was the worst," he said.
"I made some great saves against Porto, Rosenborg and Bayer Leverkusen. I even made a good stop against Brescia, but nobody cared because we won 4-0."
Roma lie in second spot behind Inter, while Juventus occupy fourth position.
