i agree with you about buffon; i wrote the other day about the likelihood of his having a cloudy mind because of the all the betting allegations–> IF THERE’S ONE PLAYER WE CAN’T AFFORD TO BE DISTRACTED IT’S GIGI!!!!!

Therefore, if there’s any question about Buffon’s focus, I’d go with Peruzzi. Shoot, I might even go with Peruzzi anyway. He’s been awesome. Nice to have a physical keeper too, you know, ala Barthez-Ronaldo in the ‘98 final:
“Oh, there’s an excellent through ball, and a great run by the speedy ghanian forward… FWAP!!!!!!!! Ouch, that had to hurt! Peruzzi’s okay, though.”

But I think it’s a point worth further discussion too; the degree of effect the scandal will have at the WC boils down to the individual’s mindset, in my opinion. Del Piero has always struck me as a bit of a head case, though I profoundly admire his wizardry and leadership, especially when Juve need a goal. In the big games for the Azzurri, however, I’m afraid Alex has failed to deliver. And with the scandal looming large, I don’t foresee the Juve Captain having an exceptional world cup (at least, not “exceptional” in the good sense). But again, I think it comes down to the individual player’s perspective.

Zambrotta has always struck me as an optimistic & hard working player, not the type to scowl or throw his hands up in the air if the ball isn’t at his feet (like DP). He plays like each moment is an opportunity to achieve something positive. When he loses the ball, he goes right back, harder, to win it back. I think players like Zambrotta will not just view the WC as the excellent opportunity to showcase one’s ability (as it undoubtedly is), but will actually embrace that opportunity. (Nedved’s like Zambrotta, but he has other issues to worry about such as his dodgy knee, so we’ll have to see how he fares).

Many of the Brasilian players play so well simply because they’re out there having fun. Is there anyone having more fun than Ronaldinho? Is it a coincidence that there’s no one better than Ronaldinho? In the same vein, look at poor Adriano. What talent he has!! But then you have imbeciles at Inter who create strife in the locker room, which made the poor lad miserable. True, he wasn’t having a great year, but players like him need to be cultivated and reassured, not slammed by his own teammates. In the end, Adriano spiraled downward.

Same with Ronaldo, he’s used to having a great time on the pitch. Just look at him play for Brasil. All smiles. Having fun. Madrid really know how to suck the fun out of football, don’t they? In fact, it seems like everyone who’s gone there in the past five years ends up beleagured (by the fans & management) and devalued. Yes, they’re getting older, but numbers (in terms of numbers of players) don’t lie. Cassano too. And Robinho’s next.
I know many of the above players don’t play for Juve, but I think their stories make my point. It comes down to the individual player’s mental constitution and how it interacts with the team’s environment. This, IMO, will determine how the bianconeri will do at the WC.

Because of the starkly different environment in the Brasil camp, I think we’ll see more confident & inspired play from both Ronaldo and Adriano.