Buffon not getting carried away

Gianluigi Buffon has warned his team-mates not to let the success of Sunday’s Euro 2012 quarter-final win over England get to their heads.

Cesare Prandelli’s men progressed to the semi-finals after a frustrating game against England in Sunday’s last-eight clash. The Italians dominated the majority of the match but could only see off the Three Lions in a penalty shootout.

However, the 2006 World Cup winner insists that he will only celebrate Italy’s triumph once they win something as a team.

“We cannot forget that we have only overcome the quarter-final stage,” said Buffon ahead of Italy’s semi-final clash against Germany on Thursday.

“I cannot start jumping for joy after taking a spot in the semi-finals. I will only do that when we win something as a team.

“Those of us who have won something important want to repeat that, and also achieve it for those who haven’t won a trophy yet.”

Italy will face a big test on Thursday in their semi-final against Euro 2012 favourites Germany, but Buffon is confident that the Azzurri have the ‘character’ to spring a surprise and come away as winners to progress to the final.

“They are probably favourites, but we have the character to face anyone,” he said.

“No-one goes into a game wanting to finish second.”