Buffon targets Champions League glory

Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus must now start focusing on becoming a Champions League contender after securing the Serie A title.

Juventus have not won European club football’s elite competition since 1996, and Buffon is desperate to help Juventus claim the prestigious title for the third time in their history.

However, he acknowledged that it will be almost impossible for the team to lift the trophy next year.

“I want us to be competitive in the Champions League next season. That has to be our goal,” Buffon told Tuttosport.

“We haven’t won it in 16 years, but I don’t think that the current team have what it takes to win it yet. That would be too much to ask from a team that have just accomplished a miracle.

“The team needs two or three editions in order to become great again in Europe. At this point, I would be happy just to win back Europe’s respect.

“After all, a team like Real Madrid have spent some 800 million euros or so, and haven’t won the Champions League yet either.”

Juventus are currently preparing for their last Serie A match of the season against Atalanta, before they lock horns with Napoli in the Coppa Italia final on May 20.