Buffon in confident mood

Juventus's talented keeper Gianluigi Buffon claims he is heading into Euro 2004 with Italy at the top of his game.

Buffon is widely regarded as the finest keeper on the planet, but he had a difficult campaign with Juventus due in part to their defensive troubles.

The keeper claims the problems at the Old Lady have not left a mark and is ready to show his true worth in Portugal.

"The last four months have not made me change opinion about myself," he said at the Azzurri's training camp. "I'm sure I'll have a great European Championship."

Some press reports in Italy have suggested Buffon could be replaced as number one by either Francesco Toldo or Angelo Peruzzi, but Buffon is not fazed by the speculation.

"Me third keeper?" he said. "We will see.

"I respect Francesco and Angelo can't be considered a third keeper. But I know what I can do. In the last few years I've shown this."