Buffon set for back operation

Buffon was forced off with a back problem during Italy's 1-1 draw with Paraguay in their World Cup Group F opener earlier this week.

The Juventus custodian will miss Sunday's clash with New Zealand with a herniated disc, but he is putting off the operation until after the finals in the hope of playing some further part in the tournament.

"I thought a lot about it," said Buffon. "But I have to think about myself before anything else.

"I will have an operation in Italy after the World Cup."

Reports suggest Buffon will miss up to four months after the operation meaning he will miss the start of the new Serie A season.