The Old Lady got on top spot last Saturday after pulling off a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina in Turin.

However, defending champions Inter Milan regained first place upon registering a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria a day later.

"To be at the top even if only for one day gratifies us for all the efforts made in this period, and it is a spark that helps us not give up," said Buffon.

Juventus' last victory was no walk in the park, as their opposition had more than one clear-cut opportunity to cancel out Claudio Marchisio's winner.

"Suffered victories like those against the Viola toughen you," commented Buffon on the Fiorentina win "They make your self-esteem grow. We will go forward like this."

The 30-year-old international has had a turbulent season so far, having sustained a succession of injuries that kept him on the sidlines for a long while.

Over the past few months, Alex Manninger was deputizing for Buffon, who's convinced that the substitute keeper came up to scratch.

"During the period in which I was stopped by injury, I said that my re-entry would be fixed only when I felt back on top, and so our position is thanks to those who have defended well in my place," the World Cup winner concluded.