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MANCHESTER -- Massimiliano Allegri described Gianluigi Buffon as possibly the greatest goalkeeper of all time after the veteran Italian made a string of saves to help Juventus win 2-1 against Manchester City. The 37-year-old denied Raheem Sterling twice, David Silva and Yaya Toure as Juve, who are yet to win in Serie A, began their Champions League campaign by taking three points against the Premier League leaders. Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata scored the goals and Allegri hailed his players for a show of character while singling out Buffon for particular praise. "I hope he will go on for as long as possible, certainly as long as I am manager," Allegri said in a news conference. "Buffon is someone who is extraordinary goalkeeper, perhaps the best ever in the history of football. He never fails." Buffon has won 150 caps for Italy and six Serie A titles, plus the World Cup in 2006, and Allegri believes he remains as good as ever. "Buffon pulled off many miraculous saves, particularly just after we went 1-0 down," he added. Paul Pogba, who was a summer transfer target for City, provided the cross for Mandzukic's equaliser and Allegri said it was vital Juventus kept the coveted Frenchman. "Of course it was important," he added. "A manager always needs to have really good players and great players in the squad. You saw Pogba played really well today. He is now getting back to showing us exactly what he can do. He is a great player." Allegri was delighted with his side's resilience and felt they merited the victory, explaining: "I think the players played extremely well. They have shown a great deal of character. "They were well disciplined and had lots of confidence even when they were losing 1-0. I am very pleased for the boys. I think they deserved it."
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