Buffon returns as Juve beat Catania
Reuters - Thursday 13 January 2011, 22:25
MILAN - Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi
Buffon had a solid game in his first appearance since the World
Cup as his side eliminated Catania with a 2-0 home win in the
Italian Cup last 16 on Thursday.
Juve, who had lost their last two league games, took the
lead after 35 minutes when Serbia winger Milos Krasic scored
following Alessandro Del Piero's superb cross to the far post
before Simone Pepe doubled the advantage after the break.
Buffon seriously hurt his back during Italy's ill-fated
campaign in South Africa in June and underwent surgery, allowing
Marco Storari to take his place in the Juve goal.
Storari has impressed so much that reports have suggested
the Turin club could decide to cash in on injury-prone Buffon.
Del Piero returned to the starting line-up and was soon the
only striker after Luca Toni limped off.
Toni joined fellow forwards Amauri, Fabio Quagliarella and
Vincenzo Iaquinta on the injury list, further highlighting
Juve's need for another front-man such as target Diego Forlan.
Holders Inter Milan progressed to the quarter-finals with a
3-2 win over Genoa on Wednesday while Palermo will meet Parma in
the last eight after also going through.
The remaining last 16 fixtures, including AS Roma v Lazio
and AC Milan v Bari, take place next week.