Football: BUFF TARTAN TERROR.Byline: By Keith Jackson For the former professional American football player, see Keith Jackson (football player). Keith Jackson (born October 18, 1928, in Roopville, Georgia) is a former American sportscaster, known for his long career with ABC Sports television, his coverage of college football ITALY keeper Gianluigi Buffon This article is about the Italian goalkeeper. For other uses, see Buffon (disambiguation). Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI[1][2] has urged the country's football fans not to let the Tartan Army The Tartan Army are travelling supporters of the Scottish national football team. They were named the World's Friendliest Fans during the 1998 World Cup, and have won numerous awards over the years from both FIFA and UEFA for their combination of rabid support and friendly claim the San Siro
Buffon spoke out here in Florence yesterday as Marcelo Lippi's squad digested the news that only 20,000 of their countrymen have snapped up tickets for the World Cup showdown - with 13,000 already in the hands of Scotland's supporters. And, with the Italian FA fearing a further 7,000 Scots may invade Milan by kick-off time tomorrow, Buffon has begged the locals to fill every available seat in the 85,000 capacity arena. The Juventus keeper said: 'Unless our own supporters turn out for us then it will be like playing in Glasgow. I can't believe how many are coming here this weekend. 'It will be wonderful for the spirit of the Scotland team to have so many supporters behind them in a foreign country. 'I'm not sure in Italy we have the same devotion for our national team. It seems to me that the supporters prefer their own clubs. 'It's also not as if this game is Italy against France or Spain and it's the day before Easter so many people have left Milan to goon holiday. 'But all we can hope is we get the support we need to drown out the Scotland fans.' Italy's preparations received a huge boost yesterday when Francesco Totti declared himself fit and ready to face Walter Smith's side. Totti had to pull out of training on Tuesday when an old foot gash re-opened but medics worked on the injury overnight and the Roma pin-up was fit enough to rejoin the squad in yesterday's session at Italy's base. |
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