Gianluigi Buffon needs a knee operation but wants to put off going under the knife for as long as possible.

The 31-year-old played for 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw with Republic of Ireland at Croke Park which secured the champions' qualification for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

He returned to his homeland today and has spoken of his problematic knee but does not want to undergo surgery until after the Serie A clash with champions Inter Milan in early December.

"My knee is destroyed," he said. "I need an operation.

"(But) I hope to get to the game against Inter."