'Legend' Buffon to start against Lille, Napoli: Tuchel
Paris Saint-Germain's Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (left) gestures as he speaks with Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe (centre) and Paris Saint-Germain's French midfielder Stanley Nsoki (right) during the warm up prior to their French L1 match against Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Velodrome stadium, in Marseille, on October 28, 2018. PHOTO | BORIS HORVAT |
What you need to know:
- Buffon, who joined the Ligue 1 giants in the summer from Juventus, last played for PSG in a 5-0 league win over Lyon on October 7 as he alternates with French shot-stopper Alphonse Areola.
- The 40-year-old World Cup winner was suspended for PSG's opening three Champions League group games.
PARIS
Italian goalkeeping "legend" Gianluigi Buffon will start for Paris Saint-Germain when they face Lille and Napoli in the coming days, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said Thursday.
Buffon, who joined the Ligue 1 giants in the summer from Juventus, last played for PSG in a 5-0 league win over Lyon on October 7 as he alternates with French shot-stopper Alphonse Areola.
The 40-year-old World Cup winner was suspended for PSG's opening three Champions League group games.
But he is set to replace Areola in Friday's league fixture with Lille and again in Naples on Tuesday when PSG will be battling for a win to salvage their flagging Champions League campaign.
"He plays a very important role for us because he's a legend," Tuchel said.
"He's had a great career and has a lot of experience. He's crucial for us thanks to his approach to the game.
"It's very important that he's here and that he speaks to everyone to share his experience."
PSG have won their opening 11 matches in Ligue 1 and sit top with an eight-point lead on second-placed Lille, whom they host on Friday.
But the Parisians realistically need a win in Naples on Tuesday if they are to save a flagging European campaign beset by defeat at Liverpool and a 2-2 draw with Napoli in the French capital.
