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Serie A: Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta confident over Gianluigi Buffon

Italy's No 1 goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon during training earlier this week
Image: Gianluigi Buffon: Set to sign a new deal with Juve

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta believes Gianluigi Buffon's contract extension is only a "formality".

The long-serving goalkeeper's current deal with the Turin giants expires next summer, but reports in the Italian press suggest that Buffon is set to extend his stay until 2017.

"With regards to Buffon, we've always said that he is a professional, a serious person and he loves Juve," Marotta told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He recently received a commemorative medal for making 500 appearances in the Bianconeri colours.

"This is a further testimony of a relationship that has consolidated over time.

"I believe that Buffon's renewal is simply a formality."

Buffon moved to Turin from Parma in 2001 in a £38million deal, a record transfer fee for a goalkeeper.

The 36-year-old has helped Juve win seven Serie A titles since then and will be hoping to skipper the Bianconeri to a fourth straight scudetto this season.

The World Cup winner is currently on international duty with Italy.

Marotta is also hoping to tie Stephan Lichsteiner down to a long-term contract with the Switzerland international also becoming a free agent next summer.

The 30-year-old defender, who is a reported target of Paris St Germain, has been a regular for Juve since joining the club in 2011 from Lazio.

"With respect to Lichsteiner, we are holding talks with his representatives," Marotta said. "From our part, we want him to continue.

"Of course, we have to take into account the financial parameters which we have to respect.

"My hope is that we will also reach an agreement with him."

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