Good news for all Italy fans as first choice goalkeeper Gigi Buffon has declared that he will be back for Italy in the World Cup knockout round.
Juventus goalkeeper Buffon is out of Italy’s final group game against Slovakia due to a back injury.
However he assured the nation’s fans: “I’ll be back for the second round.
“I realise I am hurting, but day after day I feel better. I’ve finally found my spirit and smile. I’ve tried to do some small movements and I do not feel so bad.
“And so if I continue like this …”
Italy’s medical staff, meanwhile, believe Buffon won’t be available until the quarterfinals.
Gianluigi Buffon and Doctor Enrico Castellacci during an Italian team training session