Ex-Juventus Star Fabio Cannavaro Lauds Gianluigi Buffon, Maurizio Sarri And Federico Bernardeschi

Former Juventus talisman Fabio Cannavaro has heaped praise on legendary Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, singled out manager Maurizio Sarri, calling him a ‘top coach’ and has nothing but admiration for Federico Bernardeschi.

Cannavaro, who is now managing Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League, made a total of 128 appearances in all competitions during two stints with Juve.

In a discussion on Instagram with former AS Roma and Italy legend Francesco Totti, both had their say on the career of Buffon.

“I’ll tell you; Gigi wants to play until he’s 50. But he can play for two or three more seasons. Besides, he’s in goal and is a back-up”.

“Well, you’ll know it. He won’t want to stop, but they will make him stop, which is very different,” Cannavaro replied.

Buffon is expected to remain at the Allianz Stadium for a further season, meaning he will be 43 before he is expected to hang up his boots for good. With his deal at the Old Lady up in June, the shot-stopper continues to be behind first-choice Wojciech Szczęsny as Juve’s No.2.

In a recent interview with Sport Mediaset, World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner Cannavaro talked Sarri and believes the former Napoli boss has ‘struggled to transmit his ideas’ at Juventus but insists his ‘qualities are undeniable’.

“I think he’s a top coach, he’s surely struggling to transmit his ideas, maybe more than first expected and this could perhaps hinder the play a little”.

Cannavaro also had something to say about Federico Bernardeschi. The winger continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona and has previously been a target for AC Milan. The former Fiorentina player has made 18 appearances this campaign, despite being used sparingly by Sarri.

“I really like Bernardeschi,” he said. “I like [Lorenzo] Insigne and [Ciro] Immobile too. To name one is very difficult.”

Bernardeschi could well depart Juve in the next transfer window and reports suggest he could be used as part of a deal to bring striker Mauro Icardi to the Allianz Stadium.

Juve fans are understood to want to keep hold of Bernardeschi and it would deem a huge blow for the supporters should one their favourite stars leave in the near future.

Should the player move on, Cannarvaro will likely voice his own opinion given the fact the Italian is a keen admirer and believes the 26-year-old has a lot more to offer at the Old Lady.