Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon backed Italy coach Marcello Lippi's spray for the Italian media after their win in Georgia last night.

Buffon said: "Lippi knows he can count on us and our professionalism, but if the media always focuses on other issues that are nothing to do with the match, it's only normal players can be diverted off topic. He wanted to hit the media and in turn send a signal to us.

"The players who are here are at the top international level, but playing for the Nazionale is different and you need that little pinch more grit and aggression ahead of club football. Therefore it's good for the youngsters to have these experiences and learn those lessons."