WHEN LUCA BUCCI, Parma’s first-choice goalkeeper, picked up an injury ahead of a Serie A clash with reigning domestic and European champions AC Milan, then-coach Nevio Scala needed some back-up so he called up a seventeen-year-old from the youth team.
His name was Gianluigi Buffon.
The reserve keeper was the experienced figure of Alessandro Nista, who expected to start.
But Scala was so impressed with Buffon’s nervelessness and attitude during both training and the build-up to the game that the teen was handed his debut for the senior side.
Inevitably, he kept a clean-sheet – racing off his line to deny Roberto Baggio and George Weah. No big deal for the teen.
At full-time, Milan’s Sebastiano Rossi sought him out and the pair shared an embrace.
The youngster would go on to make 8 more appearances for Parma that season before replacing Bucci as number one the following year.
Since then? Well, it’s been quite a strong career.
Gianluigi Buffon’s trophy haul:
Parma 1995 – 2001): 1 Uefa Cup, 1 Coppa Italia, 1 Italian Super Cup.
Juventus (2001 – ): 6 Serie A titles, 1 Coppa Italia, 5 Italian Super Cups, 1 Serie B title, 2-time Champions League runner-up.
Italy (154 caps): 1 World Cup, 1 Uefa Under-21 Championship.
