Advertisement
Matthew Ashton/EMPICS Sport

20 years ago today, an unknown 17-year-old goalkeeper was handed his debut by Parma

Inevitably, Gianluigi Buffon kept a clean-sheet in November 1995.

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.

Soccer - UEFA Cup - Final - Parma v Olympique Marseille - Moscow. Buffon and his Parma team-mates in 1999, including Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram, Juan Sebastian Veron, Dino Baggio, Hernan Crespo. FUMAGALLI CARLO / EMPICS Entertainment FUMAGALLI CARLO / EMPICS Entertainment / EMPICS Entertainment

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.

Turkish club claims deal in place for Pirlo and Ronaldinho

‘Mr Scholes will be very angry’ – Van Gaal talks up his attacking pedigree

Close
10 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dan
    Favourite Dan
    Report
    Jun 24th 2016, 10:27 AM

    Is someone chopping onions

    227
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán Ryan
    Favourite Seán Ryan
    Report
    Jun 25th 2016, 9:23 AM

    Something in my eye… lovely letter

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mel Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Mel Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Jun 24th 2016, 10:36 AM

    That is a really lovely sentiment….fair play.

    142
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Alexander Lynott
    Favourite Conor Alexander Lynott
    Report
    Jun 24th 2016, 10:24 AM

    Allons enfants de ls patrie! #Les Bleus

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute An_Beal_Bocht
    Favourite An_Beal_Bocht
    Report
    Jun 24th 2016, 1:20 PM

    La jour de gloire est arrivé!

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Sheehan
    Favourite David Sheehan
    Report
    Jun 24th 2016, 10:45 AM

    Could do with being translated again by something other than google translate.

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Quigley
    Favourite Gearóid Quigley
    Report
    Jun 24th 2016, 11:50 AM

    Agreed but I also think it adds to the authenticity. Couldn’t help but read it in a French accent! Nice work, Irish fans.

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Enda Carroll
    Favourite Enda Carroll
    Report
    Jun 24th 2016, 4:54 PM

    We’re a great bunch of lads

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Guybrush Threepwood
    Favourite Guybrush Threepwood
    Report
    Jun 24th 2016, 11:18 PM

    Mam? WTF!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Meehawwl O'Buachailla
    Favourite Meehawwl O'Buachailla
    Report
    Jun 25th 2016, 1:30 AM

    Sap.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.