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Buffon Backs Woltemade: Juve's New Star or Bust?
6 Sep
Summary
- Buffon compares new signing Woltemade to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
- Woltemade joins Juventus on loan from Newcastle United.
- Zambrotta questions Juve's strike force, preferring Vlahovic.
Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon eagerly anticipates the potential debut of Newcastle United's new signing, Nick Woltemade, in Sunday's Serie A clash against Milan. Buffon, who played with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Juventus, sees similarities in Woltemade's physical presence and technique, suggesting the 24-year-old could be a significant asset.
In contrast, former teammate Gianluca Zambrotta has expressed doubts about Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani's combined scoring record, highlighting their five goals in 2026. Zambrotta stated that he would have preferred to keep Dusan Vlahovic, who has since moved to Besiktas on a free transfer.
Woltemade recently moved to Turin on loan from Newcastle United for nearly €5 million, one year after his €75 million transfer from VfB Stuttgart. His contract with Newcastle extends until 2031, with no option or obligation to buy for Juventus.
The upcoming match features two giants, Juventus and Milan, both seeking to improve after difficult previous seasons. Despite Milan's potential "enthusiasm of the new" under coach Ruben Amorim, Buffon views Juventus as favorites due to coach Luciano Spalletti's nine-month tenure, suggesting Juventus have already found better team balance.
