Buffon was a key player for Juventus in the 2007 – 08 season , their first back in the top flight , as he helped Juventus to a third-place finish , and Champions League qualification . Juventus lost to runners-up Inter in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals . Buffon produced 94 saves in 34 league appearances and was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for the seventh time in his career . Buffon was also nominated for the 2008 Ballon d'Or for the sixth consecutive time in his career since 2003 , and the FIFA World Player of the Year Award . During this season , Buffon began to suffer problems with his back , caused by a herniated disc , which frequently keep him sidelined during the next few seasons . On 10 March 2008 , Buffon renewed his contract until 2013 , expressing his desire to win everything with the club
2008 Ballon d'Or
2008 Ballon d'Or
Gianluigi Buffon