We're all to blame for Ferrara exit, says Buffon

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said yesterday that he and his team-mates must share the blame for the sacking of Ciro Ferrara.

Last week Ferrara was dismissed after just eight months in charge and replaced by Alberto Zaccheroni following nine defeats in Juve's previous 12 games, during which time they crashed out of two cup competitions and slumped from second to sixth in the league.

"Unfortunately it's easier to change one person rather than 25 players but if those players have even a small sense of responsibility then they know that there are no more excuses," said Italy's number one.

"It's our responsibility that there has been a change of coach, it's not just one person's fault but all of ours. The sacking should sound an alarm for us players. I feel sorry for Ferrara, he paid the price for everyone.

"It's an all-round failure that touches us players as well. But I know that Ferrara will bounce back."

Buffon and his team-mates have also had to accept their remodelled objectives for the season.

Out of the Champions League and the title race, they are now focusing on Europe's secondary competition and a top-three or four finish.

"We'll try to win the Europa League and in the Serie A we'll try to qualify for the Champions League," he said.

"Better to do so directly (with a top-three finish) but we'd be happy also with fourth place (and a place in the Champions League preliminary rounds).

"As for the title, that discussion is closed, both because of Inter's advantage (15 points with a game in hand) and because of their strength."

Buffon described this period as the most difficult during his time at Juventus, despite having stood by the club in 2006 when they were relegated to Serie B for match-fixing.

And he insisted he will again remain loyal regardless of what happens.

"Will I leave if Juve don't qualify for the Champions League next season? I haven't even taken that into consideration," he said.

"Would I like to play abroad? Yes, with Juve in the Champions League, next year. I can't explain what's happened but this is the toughest period in the last 10 years, including the time in Serie B."

Milito gives Inter Coppa SF lead

Diego Milito scored the only goal of the game to give Inter a 1-0 win over Fiorentina and a slight advantage in their Coppa Italia semi-final after the first leg at the San Siro yesterday.

However, they will have a long wait to see if they make the final or not as the second leg will not be played until April 14.

Milito scored in the 34th minute after he was set up by Mario Balo-telli, although Inter had chances to make the victory more emphatic.

In a competition often shown little respect by teams, Jose Mourinho had said that he wanted Inter to make the final and that was demonstrated by his selection which was as good as his first choice XI, with only keeper Julio Cesar rested.

Roma host Udinese in the second semi-final first leg tonight.