Buffon Italy's goalkeeper of all time?

Former Juventus shot-stopper Stefano Tacconi is a huge admirer of the club's current captain but believes that Dino Zoff remains the benchmark 

Stefano Tacconi believes that while Gianluigi Buffon is the greatest goalkeeper of his generation, the Juventus captain should not be regarded as Italy's all-time No.1.

Since making his Serie A debut as a 17-year-old with Parma, Buffon has proven himself one of the finest shot-stoppers of the modern era.

Indeed, his €32 million move to Juventus in 2002 remains a record for a goalkeeper, while the only goals he conceded during Italy's World Cup triumph in 2006 were an own goal and a penalty.

At 37, he shows no sign of slowing down, having helped Juve reach the final of last season's Champions League, where the Bianconeri were beaten 3-1 but through no fault of Buffon, who pulled off a stunning save from Dani Alves while the Scudetto holders were struggling during the first half.

However, Tacconi nonetheless feels that Buffon still has some way to go to surpass their fellow Juve alumni, Dino Zoff, who lifted the World Cup as Italy captain in 1982.

"Is Gigi the best in Italian history?" the 52-year-old muses during an exclusive interview with Goal. "No, but he is the best of his generation.

"For the greatest, there's [Dino] Zoff. And even during my era there was [Walter] Zenga, and then [Angelo] Peruzzi.

"But Buffon is a great goalkeeper. He has done great things and he's the best of his generation.

"And he could still be like Zoff: he could play in the World Cup in 40. He is still in shape and playing well. I certainly hope he makes it to Russia.

"I also wanted him to win the Champions League last season. That would have been perfect for him and his career. He deserved it.

"But now we don't know if he will get another chance because there are so many great teams in Europe. It will be difficult for Juve to reach the final again."

Buffon, of course, faces fresh competition for his starting berth, with Juve having picked up Neto on a free transfer during the summer, after the expiration of the Brazilian's contract with Fiorentina.

Tacconi liked what he saw of Neto during his four-year stay at the Stadio Artemio Franchi but feels that the 26-year-old must now prove his worth all over again.

"Neto is a good goalkeeper. But he will need to show character at Juve," the ex-Azzurri shot-stopper added. "He did well at Fiorentina but Juve are different.

"He will have to wait for his opportunities because Buffon is ahead of him and is showing few signs of ageing. Therefore, Neto must be patient.

"Then, he must also adapt to the pressure of playing for Juventus, which is never easy. Players must have a strong mentality to play for Juve." [GOAL]