3: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Without the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and an injured Giorgio Chiellini, Gigi Buffon led a talented but inexperienced Juventus side from the brink of disaster to an unprecedented fifth consecutive Serie A title.
Italy will be fielding one of its weaker sides this tournament with the likes of Claudio Marchisio and Marco Veratti being ruled out with injuries and Mario Balotelli not being selected due to poor form. Only with a watertight defence to bank on, Buffon must try to stop free-scoring Belgium and a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic single-handedly.
Tall and imposing, Buffon is a master of his craft and can shut-out any team on his day. Possessing cat-like reflexes (for a man who is 38) and excellent positional sense, his contribution between the sticks is vital for Italy’s chances to sneak past this difficult group.
