Gianluigi Buffon was remarkably matter-of-fact after his stunning penalty save kept Italy's Euro 2008 hopes alive.

The World Champions were on the brink of a disastrous exit from Euro 2008 when Adrian Mutu stepped up to the spot after a dubious penalty decision late into the game, but a fabulous penalty save from Buffon kept the Azzurri in the tournament.

"A save is a save," insisted Buffon after the match. "I have been fortunate."

"Of course, we deserved the win," the Juve keeper added. "But when you are on the verge of going home, you are relieved to take anything positive."

Buffon couldn't resist taking a snipe at the referee, who not only gave a penalty for an innocuous looking tussle between Panucci and Dica, but also controversially ruled out what looked a legitimate goal by Luca Toni earlier.

"When with a dubious decision you risk to send home a team, one should use their conscience and good sense."