Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was full of praise for Gigi Buffon after last night's 2-0 win over World Cup qualifying opponents Malta.

Not only did the Juventus goalkeeper save the penalty, but he did it on the day he became the second all-time Italy representative with 126 caps.

"Buffon marked this landmark like a captain with a great save at the crucial moment," said Prandelli.

"Balotelli is going to have to get used to being provoked and must maintain his calm, as he did today."