| Gianluigi Buffon |
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Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, , 1978 in Carrara ) is an Italian FIFA World Cup -winning Goalkeeper who currently plays for Italian Serie A club Juventus F.C. and the Italian National Team . EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY Gianluigi Buffon was born into an athletic family: his mother Maria Stella was a Discus Thrower , his father Adriano a Weightlifter , his two sisters Veronica and Guendalina Volleyball players, and his uncle Angelo Masocco a Basketball player. He is also in close relation to english born italian Claudio Plamiero . He is also a nephew of goalkeeping legend Lorenzo Buffon , a cousin of Gianluigi's grandfather. Buffon is engaged to Czech model Alena Seredova ; the couple are expecting a son in February of 2008. CLUB CAREER In 1995, at the age of 17, Buffon was signed by In 2003, he received the UEFA ''Most Valuable Player'' and ''Best Goalkeeper'' awards, and was named by Pelé as one of the Top 125 Greatest Living Footballers in March 2004. During the annual Luigi Berlusconi Trophy match against Milan in August 2005, Buffon collided with Milan midfielder Kaká while chasing a loose ball, and suffered a dislocated shoulder that required surgery. His operation was successful and he returned to the pitch in November, but played only once as another injury returned him to the sidelines until January. He recovered in time to help lead Juventus to their second consecutive ''Scudetto'' and his fourth overall with the club. On May 12, 2006, Buffon, along with former Juventus goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti and many other players, were implicated as participants in illegal betting on Serie A matches while with Parma. The following day, he voluntarily allowed himself to be questioned by Turin magistrates in an attempt to clear his name. While admitting that he did bet on sports (until regulations went into effect in late 2005, banning players from doing so), he vehemently denied placing wagers on Italian football matches. Fears arose that he had jeopardized his chance of playing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup , but he was officially named Italy's starting goalkeeper on May 15. The players were cleared of all charges by the FIGC on June 27, 2007. Kalac in the clear mastertwg.sbs.com.au Juventus were relegated to vice-president Adriano Galliani stated in April 2007 that Buffon's decision to stay proved a catalyst in re-signing incumbent Dida . {Link without Title} After Juventus won the '' Cadetti '' and were promoted back into the top flight, Buffon signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2012. {Link without Title} INTERNATIONAL CAREER Buffon was awarded his first cap for Italy when he was only 19 years old, as an injury replacement for Gianluca Pagliuca during a 1998 FIFA World Cup play-off against Russia . He was called up for the 1998 World Cup finals, but did not play a single game as Pagliuca remained first choice. He was a member of the Italy squad at the 1996 Summer Olympics , the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 . He kept seven clean sheets in addition to a 453-minute scoreless streak during the 2006 World Cup finals; the only goals conceded were an own goal from teammate Cristian Zaccardo against the United States , and a Zinedine Zidane penalty in the final. In the final against France , which ended scoreless in extra time and led to a penalty shootout in which neither Buffon or Fabien Barthez could make a save. The lone miss was David Trezeguet 's effort that clanged off the bottom of the crossbar and failed to cross the line, which enabled Italy to emerge victorious. Buffon received the Yashin Award for his accomplishments throughout the competition. HONOURS
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