Buffon: Italy are a work in progress

Feb 7, 2013 8:40:00 AM

The veteran goalkeeper has admitted that the Azzurri struggled against Netherlands on Wednesday, but has insisted that their youngsters need time to improve

Gianluigi Buffon has stressed Italy are still improving as a team and that people cannot expect too much from the Euro 2012 finalists just yet.

The Azzurri had a difficult evening against Netherlands at the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday, and had Marco Verratti to thank for leaving the Dutch capital with a 1-1 draw following the midfielder's stoppage-time equaliser.

"It's true that we need a bit more character. We have a lot of young players, though, and are going through a growth process," Buffon told reporters.

"We will have plenty more tests from here until the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. The younger players have time to improve, and to get in great shape in time for Brazil.

"It always depends a bit on your opponent how you can play. Netherlands were never going to be an easy opponent. They made things difficult for us and it looked as if we were not giving our all.

"The truth is that we were looking to hit them on the counter-attack, though."

Italy's next game is the 2014 World Cup qualifier away against Malta on March 26.

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8:43 PM BST

Jay Jaffa is watching the game surrounded by German fans and he's picked up what he has described himself as a tremendously "precise" prediction from one supporter.

"We've had boos, moans and groans throughout the half from fans unhappy with Bayern's resurgence. The loudest cheers of all have been saved for Roman Weidenfeller though, after two exceptional saves from Arjen Robben. There's no doubt, in this pub at least, that the support lies with Dortmund and a friendly chap named Andreas believes BVB will come out on top, insisting: 'We will get stronger as the game goes on and Lewandowski will score in the final 10 minutes.' About as precise a prediction as you can get!"

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Arjen Robben has looked the man most likely, having had two one-on-ones already, but Goal Germany's Tim Rohn says the Dutchman has annoyed his team-mates no end during that opening 45 minutes.

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WEIDENFELLER SAVES WITH HIS FACE! Robben gets in on goal again, this time after Hummels fails to deal with a long ball over the top. The Dutch winger lets rip but Weidenfeller gets his mush in the way and the ball flies away to safety. The Dortmund shot-stopper knew little about that but, you have to say, both goalkeepers have done wonderfully well thus far to keep this one scoreless.

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