Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has publicly defended Alessandro Del Piero.
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has publicly defended his club captain and international colleague Alessandro Del Piero.
The Italy striker left the Azzurri's training headquarters with suspicion hanging over the 30-year-old's head that he used a muscle strain as a pretense to walk out of Marcello Lippi's side to face Belarus.
Despite Juve's medical staff confirming the legitimacy of the injury, Buffon has been moved to defend Del Piero's character.
"He's had other setbacks in his career but has always come back a special player," Buffon told La Stampa.
"I have read unpleasant things about his return from the national team.
"You can say many things about Del Piero but you can't attack his professionalism."
Del Piero will now be forced to sit out Sunday's Serie A match with Empoli and may also miss the UEFA Champions League tie with Club Brugge.
