Italy not giving up hope goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will return before World Cup ends

Italy still hoping Buffon returns

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Italy is still hoping goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon can recover from his back problem before the World Cup ends.

Buffon didn’t travel with the squad for Sunday’s second Group F game against New Zealand, leaving the starting job to backup Federico Marchetti.

With reports suggesting Buffon might require surgery for the herniated disk in his back, coach Marcello Lippi insisted the squad hasn’t lost hope, saying Buffon is “improving day after day.”

Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, meanwhile, appears set to return for Italy’s third group game against Slovakia.

Lippi expected Pirlo to resume training Monday, but said he wasn’t sure at “what intensity.”