Milan make Abbiati loan gesture
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Article summary
Juventus FC have signed goalkeeper Christian Abbiati on loan from AC Milan as a temporary replacement for Gianluigi Buffon.
Article body
Buffon injury
Buffon fell badly on his right shoulder while rushing out at Kaká's feet during the second half of Sunday's friendly against Milan. The joint was dislocated, and after surgery on Wendesday morning he will be out for three months - almost the entire UEFA Champions League group stage. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said: "We were very sorry about Buffon's injury and we thought it was a nice gesture to give them Abbiati on loan."
Genoa spell
The 28-year-old had just returned to Milan after his loan at Genoa 1893 was cut short following their relegation from Serie A to Serie C1 on match-fixing charges. Capped twice by Italy, Abbiati has won two Italian titles and made 110 appearances in seven seasons after arriving at San Siro in 1998.
Balzaretti arrival
Juventus have also landed defender Federico Balzaretti on a free transfer from city rivals Torino Calcio. The versatile 23-year-old left-back played 38 games in Serie B last term.
