Buffon: Neuer number one

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has stated that Germany shot-stopper Manuel Neuer is the best goalkeeper in the world.

However, the Juventus man believes that his nation can reach the final of Euro 2012, and hopes to face the Gelsenkirchen native when they get there.

“Ciao Manuel. You are the best goalkeeper in the world, I hope that both of us are in the Euro final,” Buffon said on Sky Sports.

Buffon also sent a light-hearted plea to his opposite number Neuer, eagerly anticipating a meeting between the two.

“Please don’t take it badly, but I must win,” Buffon said, in jest.

“I’m at the end of my career, you still have so much in front of you. I look forward to facing you.”

Buffon, 33, was part of the Italy side that lifted the 2006 World Cup, but he has yet to add the European Championship to his trophy cabinet.

The 25-year-old Neuer, meanwhile, reached the 2010 World Cup semi-finals with Germany, and will participate in his first European Championships next year.