Buffon sees Juventus ‘advantage’ against Milan, reveals advice to Vicario after move from Tottenham

Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon feels the Bianconeri have 'an advantage' against Milan this evening and reveals he told Guglielmo Vicario to 'enjoy the experience' at the Allianz Stadium, after his move from Tottenham.

Juventus and Milan meet at the Allianz Stadium in Turin this evening.

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Both sides have won their opening two Serie A games of the campaign and will be looking to catch Inter and Roma, who already have nine points after winning their third consecutive game yesterday against Napoli and Atalanta, respectively.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – SEPTEMBER 07: Head of Italy delegation Gianluigi Buffon reacts during a Italy training session at Bozsik Stadion on September 07, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

During an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Buffon, a former Juventus and Italy star, predicted the upcoming meeting between Bianconeri and Rossoneri.

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"Milan can have the enthusiasm of novelty: a new project, a new coach, new players, and they can ride the wave of excitement," Buffon said.

"However, when so much changes, it takes time to find the right balance. Juventus starts with an advantage, bolstered by nine months of work under Spalletti and a transfer market partly guided by Luciano. The management and Spalletti have done exceptionally well. Woltemade intrigues me. I want to see if, with his physicality, his 198 centimetres combined with excellent technique, he will be as dominant as I expect."

Buffon played with Zlatan Ibrahimovic for two seasons at Juventus in the early stages of the Swede's career, so does he see any similarity between Ibra and Juve's new signing Nick Woltemade?

"I'd say so, yes," Buffon replied.

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"Woltemade could be a real asset in the Italian league, given what we've seen in recent years."

Questioned on the potentially decisive player in tonight's clash, Buffon replied: "I'd like it to be Conceiçao. And especially Kolo Muani: getting off the mark in such a game would be ideal."

Buffon worked with Luciano Spalletti on the Italy national team and had only words of praise for the Italian tactician.

"Luciano is a kind of Merlin. A meticulous perfectionist with a good heart," said the ex-keeper.

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta' del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

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"Through his studies, knowledge of football, and depth of relationships, Spalletti seeks a perfect and winning chemistry for the present and the future."

Buffon, however, didn't give Spalletti any advice: "I haven't told him anything, and I'll tell you why: the Juve world must be experienced. And only when you experience it, do you understand it," he said.

"Luciano already won the hearts of the fans last year. The team, regardless of the results, gave important answers, and he always spoke openly to the people, highlighting the honour and pride in representing Juventus with all its history."

On the contrary, Buffon did talk to Vicario about his move to Juventus as the Italy international moved to Turin from Tottenham this summer.

FROSINONE, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Guglielmo Vicario of FC Juventus gestures during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Benito Stirpe on August 23, 2026 in Frosinone, Italy.(Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

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"I only gave Guglielmo one piece of advice: enjoy the experience. Playing for Juventus is a privilege; everywhere you go, you breathe the importance of the shirt," Buffon said.

"He is judged by many people who don't have a full understanding of the goalkeeper's role. Vicario was heavily criticised last year at Tottenham, but he's coming off a formative experience; he was a protagonist and a winner in the Premier League," Buffon concluded.

"Last season, he paid the price because when a team performs poorly, 99.99% of the time, the goalkeeper also suffers."

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