Concentrate on Cup success: Buffon

Triumphant goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon wants Italians to celebrate the Azzurri’s World Cup title instead of immediately turning their attention to the match-fixing scandal.

Buffon’s club side Juventus, along with AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina, could be relegated this week for wrongdoing in Serie A.

“Let’s enjoy the moment and not think too much about the sporting trial,” Buffon said. “People needed this joy and we have given it to them.”

Having won against host nation Germany, the Italians went on to beat France on penalties in Sunday's final to claim their fourth World Cup title and their first since 1982.

“We have truly deserved this. We are so happy with what we have achieved,” Buffon said. “This is for Italy and for the Italians, from the Valle D’Aosta to the island of Lampedusa. What I really would like is for the nation to be really happy for one month and join in the party.”

Buffon was named the best goalkeeper of the 2006 tournament and received the Lev Yashin Award from world football’s governing body FIFA.

The 28-year-old proved key to his team’s success having conceded just two goals in seven matches to lead the Azzurri to glory.

He made an incredible save from Zinedine Zidane’s header in the final to keep his team in the game.

“I am satisfied with my performance,” Buffon said. “We knew it was going to be a very difficult game and it has been. Above all, this has been a team effort.”

The triumph was all the more sweet for the Italian number one considering the problems he has faced this campaign.

Buffon was out of action for six months due to a shoulder injury and was questioned in a probe into illegal betting just before the World Cup kicked off.

“It has been the most difficult season for me not only for what has happened to my club but also due to the shoulder injury that kept me out of action for six months,” he added.

Buffon has been linked with a move away from Turin because of Juve’s troubles and he should have no trouble in finding a new club.

“I really don’t know if I will remain at Juve,” he admitted.

Buffon dedicated the victory to his parents who have supported him during his troubles, adding: “This title is for them for all the suffering I have caused them.”