Gio's tattoo has attracted the ridicule of family and friends who think his obsession is 'crazy' but Buffon was touched by the gesture and surprised the fan with a henna tattoo of his own.

Gio was tricked into thinking he was to be a part of a documentary about tattoos, but the truth was he would be meeting his hero.

The fanatic supporter is in awe of the Gianluigi Buffon, not just for his illustrious 21-year playing career (and counting), but for the 38 year-old's character too.

"Number one goalkeeper, number one person" Gio said.

"When the tattoo was finished and the pain was over, I started to cry. I made my dream come true."

Buffon recently signed a new deal to keep him in Turin until 2018 as he hopes to play in a record sixth FIFA World Cup before calling time on his career.