JUVENTUS GOALKEEPER GIANLUIGI Buffon has attempted to defuse the controversy surrounding last night’s Milan-Juventus showdown, claiming he didn’t realise Sulley Muntari’s first-half header crossed the line.
The 25th-minute strike, which should have secured a two-goal advantage for the home side, was only intercepted and gathered by Buffon after it had crossed the line by all of two feet.
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Speaking to La Repubblica after the match, the 34-year-old insisted he had acted on relex, unsure if the ball had crossed the line. If he had known the goal was legitimate, however; he would not have corrected the officials.
“I was watching the ball, not the line… I didn’t realise it had gone over the line, and even if I did I wouldn’t have lended a hand to the referee.”
Juve later equalised through Alessandro Matri, guaranteeing a one-point return from their expedition to the San Siro. Buffon believes it’s a result more significant than the points tally would otherwise suggest.
“Taking a point and continuing the unbeaten streak makes it a special evening, where we played against most successful team to win the Scudetto. In the end what counts is that we were ready to adapt to whatever happened in the match. Milan had greater freshness, lucidity and technical skill.”
Juventus, having played one game fewer than their rivals, remain a point adrift of Milan at the summit of the domestic league.
