Buffon: Italy vs France is like a derby match

Buffon: Italy v France is like a derby match

13-Nov-2012 3:55:00 AM

The Azzurri captain has shared his excitement about the upcoming fixture and claims there is a special buzz surrounding the two nations whenever they meet

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has likened Italy's clash with France to a derby.

The Azzurri captain is looking forward to the game and despite les Blues not having the best of success in recent years, the 34-year-old is expecting a tough examination from Didier Deschamps' side.

"France remain a strong nation in European football, one that is always capable of playing at a high level," he told Le Parisien.

"Playing against France is like playing a derby, there is a special taste that the fixture brings."

Buffon also spoke about the impact of money on football, and claimed that no matter how much Paris Saint-Germain spend on transfer fees, they cannot buy the history and tradition of Europe's biggest clubs.

“Paris Saint-Germain are a lucky club, they have a lot of money,” he stated.

“However, in football, the richest do not always win. Some clubs have less money, but they spend it better than those who have more, and the history of a club also counts a lot towards their status.

"Perhaps in 50 years they will talk about PSG more than Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus, but not at the moment.”