The Italian Job Centre Plus for Balotelli and De Rossi

(Almost) Legendary goalkeeper, and Italy captain, Gianluigi Buffon, who has missed half of the season with injury, has made one of those statements which does nothing for team spirit or managerial confidence. He has spoken out against squad selection for the upcoming games against Slovenia (Euro 2012 qualifier) and Ukraine. Some of his bolder statements include:

"I wasn't here when they talked about an ethics code in the national team," said Buffon, whilst holding his handbag and making a wooOOoo sound (probably). I think most fans will agree that ethics in sport is not a bad thing, Luigi. But we are talking about a man who was at the very heart of the Juve match-fixing scandal(s)...allegedly.

"I'm sorry we have to do without two important players like Daniele and Mario, especially De Rossi who is fundamental in international games. I don't know if I would have pardoned them."

De Rossi is serving a three-match Champions League ban (starting next season, because they went out to Shakhtar), for elbowing Darijo Srna. Balotelli got City kicked out of the Europe League for the most unnecessary kung fu kick since Brian Jackson on the Generation Game, circa 1997.

Italian "stars" thinking they are bigger than the coach. Nothing new there then.

PS. Juve fans will also be shitting a brick as Buffon refused to commit his future to the club: "It's useless to talk now about the transfer market and my wish to stay. There are more important things, we have to concentrate on the league." I suspect he was just in a bad mood this morning. Maybe he lost his snood.

"I like my snood. I look so pretty and it makes my neck warm. One thumbs up."