Italy guardian Gianluigi Buffon revealed that he will be forced to undergo knee surgery, in the wake of the Azzurri 2-2 draw with Ireland. The Juventus goalkeeper will try to extend it until the end of the year though, as he hopes to catch the Bianconeri's crunch Serie A clash with Inter Milan on December 5th. "The meniscus ligament in my left knee is damaged, I need an operation," Buffon was quoted by Italian media. "I will try to carry on as long as I can. I hope to reach the game with Inter." Buffon is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks after the operation, but his absence period will include the Christmas break.