Buffon credits Lippi and defence for Italy success

DUISBURG, Germany, July 7 (Reuters) Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has only been beaten once in the World Cup and says he has never been in better form.

''At this moment I feel very secure. I have no fear about defending my goal and am full of positive feelings. I swear that I have never been in this good form in my career,'' said Buffon who will line-up against France in Sunday's final.

The Italy keeper said that a lot of his confidence came from having such a formidable defence, organised and controlled by captain Fabio Cannavaro, keeping opposition strikers at bay.

''In front of me there is an unbreachable wall and my self-belief comes from those team mates,'' said the Italy keeper.

But Buffon said the credit for Italy's run to the final goes in large part to coach, Marcello Lippi.

''Aside from his technical and tactical capabilities Lippi has an ability that I haven't seen in other coaches -- he can really get 120 percent out of you,'' said Buffon.

''Mentally he is a club coach and with all the experience that he has you can get real satisfaction from working with him. He makes everyone feel important and part of the group and that is very difficult for a coach,'' he added.

Buffon said that despite his confidence he would have to fight against nerves before the Berlin final.

''There will be a great tension the night before and on the morning of the game but usually, when we start preparing and warming up then I find the calmness you need,'' he said.

REUTERS AY PM2101