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Buffon's Natural Back Injury

Johannesburg - Italy and Juventus goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, can not be ascertained whether they could strengthen his country in the next game, after a 1-1 draw with Paraguay, Monday. 32-year-old goalkeeper was substituted at half-time by Federico Marchetti.

Coach Marcello Lippi said, too early to decide how bad the injury suffered by Buffon. "He's got a little problem in his back," said Lippi. "He was sick during the warm-up and then he said he wanted to play, but after the first round he said he could not continue," he said.

"It's unfortunate because we lose the ability to substitute an equivalent to Buffon. I do not know how bad the injury which he experienced or how long it takes to recover. The doctor must notify us immediately."

Buffon into the World Cup amid poor performance experienced by Juventus last season. At that time he missed half the season because of injury. But he generally he is regarded as one of the outstanding goalkeepers of the modern era and only conceded two goals in escorting the Italian World Cup goal in 2006.

Italy next opponent is weak New Zealand team, later Sunday. (AFP)