Buffon Surprised By Chiesa’s Quick Rise
Parma goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted he is surprised by Federico Chiesa’s quick rise to becoming a key player for club and country.
Chiesa recently put up some impressive displays in this summer’s European Championship, scoring two goals along the way as Italy defeated England in the final to lift the trophy for a second time in their history.
The 23-year-old joined Juventus from Fiorentina at the start of last season and made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals to help the Old Lady win the Italian Super Cup and Coppa Italia.
Buffon spent his final season at Juventus alongside Chiesa but the 2006 World Cup winner did not expect his compatriot to blossom so soon.
“When he arrived at Juve I didn't think he was so good. I am honest. In the European Championship he was unbelievable, in the final match with England, it was impossible to stop him,” Buffon told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"After a season at Juve with Federico it is no longer a surprise for me, but it was not obvious that he would be able to play at such a high level in a tournament like the European Championship.
"If you do those things at such a high level, then it means that you are really special."
Chiesa is the son of former Italy international, Enrico.
