Buffon to make Serie A return for Juventus

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is set to return to Serie A action by going straight into the starting team for the match against Bari on Sunday.

Buffon has been sidelined since injuring his back during the World Cup, but played for 90 minutes in Juventus' 2-0 Italian Cup win over Catania on Thursday.

Juventus coach Luigi Delneri told reporters Saturday that ''Buffon has recuperated physically and is ready to play. I saw how he played on Thursday and over the last few months he has recovered well.''

Juventus is sixth in Serie A with 31 points, but was knocked out of the Europa League at the group stage.