Juventus goalkeeper Buffon: We have sent out a strong message

Posted Sunday, March 17, 2013 by Goal.com

Gianluigi Buffon has indicated that Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Bologna should stand as a warning to the club's rivals as it tightens its grip on Serie A.

Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio allowed the Bianconeri to take a 2-0 win over their hosts and move 12 points clear in the league. Speaking after the game, Buffon was keen to stress that although the season is far from over, his team’s form is on point at a time when matches, both domestically and continentally are of the greatest importance.

"There are still a lot of important games left to play," the 35-year-old goalkeeper told Juventus.com. "But we sent out a strong message this evening.

"Much like last Sunday [a 1-0 win over Catania], it was a contest which was worth more than the three points on offer."

Juventus sits atop Serie A with 65 points from 29 games, and the Old Lady was able to stretch its advantage over Napoli, who plays Atalanta on Sunday. The importance of the win was not lost on goalscorer Marchisio.

"It’s an important victory which allows us to go into the break with the points we were after," Marchisio said. "Now we’ve got the international break and then we’ll take on Inter, bolstered by a strong advantage in the table."

The midfielder also reflected on the Champions League quarterfinal draw, which saw the Bianconeri drawn against four-time winner Bayern Munich.

"They [Bayern] are the strongest team in Europe alongside Barcelona and Real, but we’re experiencing the Champions League campaign with great joy," Marchisio said. "We know about their strengths, but we’ll go to Munich without fear."