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Juve, Neto on track to succeed Buffon

Juve, Neto on track to succeed Buffon

And now it’s up to Norberto Murara; or has he is more commonly known, Neto. The Brazilian goalkeeper will get a rare chance to replace Buffon at Verona on Sunday as the great man gets a rest ahead of the Coppa Italia Final.
 
We know that the role of understudy to Buffon is almost an impossible job as Gigi leaves nothing to chance and to train alongside someone who is considered one of the best in the world is a privilege but on a practical level, it’s frustrating. Many down the years have surrendered with Storari being the last one when he left Turin to head to Cagliari last summer.
 
This time it’s different however; not because there is a question mark over whether the 38-year-old will still be the number one next season (having recently stated that he will play at the top level for another two years at least). No, this time it’s different because Neto could compete with Europe’s best already and now he can be seen as the natural heir to Buffon’s kingdom. The point is, can a player with the qualities that Neto possesses, resist the temptation to move for another 12 months knowing his chance may come eventually?
 
The answer unfortunately is probably not. With only five appearances since joining from Fiorentina, the custodian rejected moves in January to stay in Turin but he knows that there is interest out there for him.
 
From this moment new names will now come onto the radar at the J Stadium, names such as Sirigu or Marchetti, players may want to wait their turn in goal at the Old Lady. The best solution for Neto would almost certainly be a loan-deal away from Turin with a view to returning to claim the number one jersey in a couple of years’ time.

Adapted from an original article by Luca Borioni. Translation by Steve Mitchell

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