Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon called for improvements despite a 2-1 win over title rivals Napoli that left the Serie A champions four points clear of an increasingly ambitious chasing pack.
A second-half winner from ex-Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain sent Juve four points clear of Roma, with Napoli now seven points off the pace after AC Milan and Lazio won on Sunday to move into third and fourth places respectively.
Although Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri paid tribute to his squad for “interpreting the game well”, Buffon said it’s not enough.
One of the world’s most decorated goalkeepers, former World Cup winner Buffon has yet to win a Champions League title and at 38, time is running out.
Juve host Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday looking to secure their place in the last 16 — a win would see the Italians seven points clear of the Ligue 1 side with two games remaining.
But if the Italian giants are to beat the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona to the top prize in European club football, Buffon said a step up in “quality” is required.
“It was a great win for us against a strong side that we all respect. Napoli made us suffer,” said Buffon.
“But we have to improve certain aspects of our game, and we’re still struggling to put the instructions of the coach into practice on the pitch.
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