Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri backs former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny to take Gianluigi Buffon's throne in Turin: 'He is the heir'

  • Gianluigi Buffon has been Juventus' No 1 between the sticks since joining in 2001
  • Wojciech Szczesny joined Juve from Arsenal last summer after a spell at Roma
  • But Buffon recently suggested that Gianluigi Donnarumma should move to Turin
  • However, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri has backed the Pole to succeed Buffon

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has backed Wojciech Szczesny to fill the very sizeable gloves which will be left when Gianluigi Buffon retires. 

The Italy international has hinted that his compatriot and former understudy with the national team, Gianluigi Donnarumma, should join the Turin club to fill the void.

Buffon told Gazzetta dello Sport he would advise Donnarumma that joining Juventus is 'never wrong'.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has backed Wojciech Szczesny to succeed Gianluigi Buffon

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has backed Wojciech Szczesny to succeed Gianluigi Buffon

Buffon is expected to retire at the end of the season, unless Juve win the Champions League

Buffon is expected to retire at the end of the season, unless Juve win the Champions League

The veteran hinted that Gianluigi Donnarumma, the AC Milan stopper, should move to Turin

The 39-year-old is expected to retire at the end of the season and current Juve No 2 Szczesny — known on these shores for his eight-year stint at Arsenal — has enjoyed a stretch in the side following a calf injury to the veteran.


And Allegri, whose side will face Roma in Wednesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final, publicly vouched for the Pole to be Buffon's successor. 

'I've said it before and I'll say it again, Szczesny is the heir to Buffon,' Allegri said.

Szczesny moved to the San Siro in the summer and is now enjoying a little run in the side

Szczesny moved to the San Siro in the summer and is now enjoying a little run in the side

'They respect one another greatly, both as players and as men, which is very important.

'I think the club has done a good deal buying a player who is so good a year before Gigi stops.'  

Szczesny moved to Juve from the Gunners last summer following a successful two-year loan spell at Roma. 

'I've said it before and I'll say it again, Szczesny is the heir to Buffon,' Allegri commented

'I've said it before and I'll say it again, Szczesny is the heir to Buffon,' Allegri commented