The future of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who is regarded as one of the best in the world, is under threat at the International team. The Italian has been suffering from poor form of late, which have led to reports that he could be dropped from the team ahead of the World Cup 2014. Italian manager Cesare Prandelli has confirmed that Buffon remains as his first choice goalkeeper. The 35-year-old is one of the experienced top goalkeepers the world and he still holds the record for the most expensive fee paid to sign a goalkeeper.

Buffon has been unconvincing for Juventus this season, but the team has made it to the second place in the table after less than 10 matches. Prandelli is confident that Buffon will recover his form sooner rather than later, and he will retain his faith in the 35-year-old. The Juventus number one is one of the few members remaining from the 2006 squad that won the World Cup. Buffon holds the record for having made the most number of appearances for the Italian team, and it currently stands at 137. He could well reach 150 appearances if he manages to improve his form.

“I would never doubt Buffon; he will be our first choice at the World Cup. Full stop. I am convinced that his personality, his charisma and his desire to be considered as the best in the world will be effective weapons. He knows that by playing in the role he does that one mistake will see him see him end up in the eye of a storm,” said Prandelli.

Prandelli has won rave reviews for managing the Italian national team and taking them back to their glory days. The turnaround will be complete when the national team wins the World Cup in 2014.