WATCH: Gianluigi Buffon makes astonishing save against Inter a ridiculous 27 years after San Siro debut
- Parma name Buffon to XI
- Serie B club have used him four times in 2022-23
- Buffon will turn 45 this month
WHAT HAPPENED? The former Juventus and Italy star is playing out the final stretch of his career at Parma, where it all began. After a period out with injury, he returned to the fold against Inter - and made a stunning save to deny Edin Dzeko, sending the game to extra time in the process. Unfortunately, plucky Parma were eventually vanquished courtesy of a Francesco Acerbi goal in the additional period.
Gigi Buffon is ridiculous! 🙌
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) January 10, 2023
His reflexes are still up to the task at 44 as he gets down low to keep Parma in it and send this one to extra time 🧤
Even Edin Dzeko can't help but applaud 👏 pic.twitter.com/rDfM0oVDCr
Gianluigi Buffon making game-saving stops at 44-years-old. 🔥
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 10, 2023
You love to see it (unless you're an Inter fan 😉) pic.twitter.com/6v53BJTVSw
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Buffon has hardly featured this season in part because of a hamstring injury, but his recovery from that setback and his vast experience convinced Parma to give him a rare start against Inter. His appearance comes a staggering 27 years after he lined up for Parma against AC Milan at San Siro on December 22 1996.
WHAT NEXT FOR PARMA? In sixth place in Serie B, Parma will try to ignite a promotion push when they return to league action on Saturday against Bari.