This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 07 October
Buffon on the road to recovery
Football Italia
Gigi Buffon is confident that he will be back in action by December as he continues to recover from a serious shoulder injury. The Juve shot-stopper suffered the injury against Milan in pre-season, although the Bianconeri have not struggled in his absence. The San Siro outfit promptly offered them Christian Abbiati as a temporary replacement and the ‘keeper has proved a worthy deputy thus far.
“I think Abbiati has played superbly and he was the decisive factor against Udinese,” said Buffon. "And I'm following the expected path to recovery. In the middle of November I will be going back to training and I believe I will be returning to action around the beginning of December.
The Azzurri No 1 does have some reservations about his return though. "I have to admit that, in comparison with previous injuries, this scared me more,” he continued. "Sustaining a shoulder injury as a goalkeeper is not good, but I am feeling good and I hope that my teammates will have kept us at the top of the League when I return.”
Vieira Fears Barcelona More Than 'Predictable Chelsea'
Goal.com
Juventus hero Patrick Vieira believes Chelsea don’t pose too much of a threat in the race for the Champions League trophy. The former Arsenal skipper instead believes Barcelona are the ones that could seriously challenge the Bianconeri for the final prize.
“I know Chelsea very well, and its true they are more complete than Barcelona, but they are also more predictable. The Catalans are more vulnerable defensively, but their midfield and offense are formidable,” he said. “Chelsea’s offense isn’t as strong as Barca’s, nor is it as creative,” he added.
Vieira also expressed disappointment for having failed to lift the Champions League trophy during his Arsenal days. “I never won it with Arsenal, and I’m sad about this. It would have been great for both the club and its fans,” he explained.
Domenech explains Trez absence
Football Italia
France boss Raymond Domenech has blamed David Trezeguet’s recent injury on the number of matches in a season. Les Bleus have been forced to finish the World Cup qualifying campaign against Switzerland and Cyprus without Trezeguet and Domenech thinks the problem lies with the amount of games players are expected to dispute with their clubs.
"I have to say it was amazing to see players having played 75 games, like I saw last year," he said. "Stop increasing the number of games! I saw Juventus against Internazionale on TV and when I saw Trezeguet go off injured, I just turned it off.
“We talked to the Bianconeri doctor and to David – he can't walk. I wondered how many players would be at Clairefontaine with me today. Players are under pressure every day. It is time to stop things like that."
Thursday 06 October
Zambrotta: Juve are the greatest
Football Italia
Gianluca Zambrotta believes this could be one of the best Juventus sides of all time and reveals why he snubbed Chelsea. “This Juve team can be compared to some of the greatest in this club’s history, including the line-up with Zinedine Zidane and Pippo Inzaghi,” said the versatile Italian international.
Many have suggested that the midfield partnership of Emerson and Patrick Vieira has left the Bianconeri with no weak links and they are currently the only side in Europe to have a 100 per cent record in both the Champions League and domestic competition.
There are now reports that Fabio Capello is in negotiations to extend his contract with the Turin giants until 2009 and take on a future position as director. “It is possible seeing as the club and Coach have the same views on football, while we all have great faith in Capello,” explained Zambrotta.
Part of Juve’s success is down to their canny transfer dealings and, despite multi-million pound offers, David Trezeguet, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gianluigi Buffon and Zambrotta have stayed at the Delle Alpi.
“I was very happy and flattered to hear that Chelsea and Milan were interested in me, but I have signed until 2010 and will stay in Turin,” confirmed the left-back.
Nedved wants Euro glory
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved has confirmed that Juventus’ main objective this season is to win the Champions League. La Vecchia Signora are unbeaten in six Serie A games and have won both their European matches but the Czech midfielder is clear which is the club’s priority.
“The Champions League is our main target, we regard it higher than the Scudetto,” said the 33-year-old. “But you are not allowed to lose a single match in the knockout stages. You can’t gain points there like you can in the group stage.”
A better showing in the knockout stage will be the key this season for the Bianconeri after eliminations in that stage to Liverpool and Deportivo La Coruna in recent seasons. Nedved sees the signing of Patrick Vieira as the key to success this term.
“We will see after some results, but previously we missed one player – the leader Patrick Vieira,” added the midfielder – who tasted European Cup-Winners Cup glory with Lazio in 1999. “Now we have him so we are complete.”
Nedved also revealed that his decision to retire from international football was a difficult one. Czech Republic Coach Karel Bruckner had asked Nedved to return to the side but the 2003 Balon d’Or winner declined. “It was an easy decision for my health – for my heart, no.”
“It was strange to finish but possibly I would not be able to cope physically with it anymore. I am 33 and along with Lilian Thuram we are the oldest players in the Juventus team,” he concluded.
Blasi: An Incredible Start
Goal.com
The Juventus midfielder turned right-back spoke about his club team during the national team training camp at Coverciano. Manuele Blasi has been one of the most interesting surprising for Juventus and even Italy in this early part of the season, as Fabio Capello turned the central midfielder to a right-back with excellent results, which have contributed to the Bianconeri perfect start to the season.
“It was an incredible start to the season, but I think it is premature to give judgements after just a short time: the season is long and anything can happen. We need to remain calm and careful, because there are many obstacles.”
Even against Inter, the Delle Alpi of Turin was half empty. “I had hoped for a more numerous support; we must convince the people to return to the stadiums with a lot of wins.” Finally, Blasi was did not sound too confident about winning the Champions League. “It’s more difficult than the league,” concluded the Azzurri player.
Juventus keep hold of option on Roma's Cassano
Tribal Football
Juventus remain favourites for AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano. Juve, AC Milan and Inter will all be closely monitoring Friday's meeting between Roma chiefs and Cassano's lawyer, Beppe Bozzo. It's understood if Cassano does sign a new contract, the deal will include a buyout clause of £5 million.
While Juve, Inter and Milan are all keen, defending champs Juve have an advantage thanks to a first option agreement struck with Roma earlier this year.
However, Juve director general Luciano Moggi has declared they cannot fit Cassano into their playing roster, which has left the door open to both Milan clubs, particularly Inter, where patron Massimo Moratti admitted last month he would try for the Roma star if he became available.
Juventus chief: We had to sell big to land Vieira from Arsenal
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi admits they wouldn't have been able to afford Patrick Vieira without offloading two of their midfielders in the summer. Reflecting on the deal to land the former Arsenal captain, Moggi revealed: "Juve originally could not make this operation happen as we did not have financial cover.
"We had to find the cash to give to Arsenal. Our decision was to sell Appiah to Turkey for £6 million. Then we have placed Maresca in Spain and from both deals we raised the money for Vieira. I remember the decisive trip to London. We left for England excited by what we were about to do."
Juventus chief: Chelsea offered mega bucks for Zambrotta
Tribal Football
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi has confirmed Chelsea made a bid for fullback Gianluca Zambrotta last summer. He said: "Real Madrid did ask us for Emerson and Chelsea for Zambrotta. With the money from the Blues we would have cleared our budget problems, but we would also have weakened the team."
Moggi backs Juventus keeper Abbiati for World Cup call
Tribal Football
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi says goalkeeper Christian Abbiati could gate-crash Italy's World Cup squad. The on-loan AC Milan keeper has been outstanding since replacing the injured Gigi Buffon at the start of this season and Moggi said: "It was a wonderful gesture from Silvio Berlusconi to loan us Abbiati. It says a lot about him and Milan. Abbiati has been excellent for us. I wouldn't be surprised if he is playing for the Azzurri at the World Cup."
Juventus discuss new deal with coach Capello
Tribal Football
Juventus are spending international week discussing a new contract with coach Fabio Capello. Capello's current deal expires in 2007, but Juve are keen to extend that through to 2009 and also bump up his salary to £2 million-a-year. A future general manager's role has also been tentatively floated by Juve directors after Capello's new coaching contract expires.
Italy won't underestimate Slovenia
Football Italia
Italy need only a point from Saturday’s match to qualify for the World Cup, but Marcello Lippi warns not to underestimate Slovenia. “It is true that we’re only a point away from achieving our aim, but we must not make the mistake of considering that a pure formality,” said the Coach.
Slovenia were the last side to beat the Azzurri with a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory on October 9 2004, followed by six wins and five draws, and there is a long-standing rivalry between the two nations.
“We have to aims for this match. The first is to get that point we need to qualify and the second is to take another step forward in terms of performance and confidence that this team requires to realise its own strength.”
Italy have struggled in major tournaments recently, falling at the second hurdle in the 2002 World Cup and failing to get past the Group stage in Euro 2004.
“If we are able to qualify a round early, then the next task is to create a side capable of challenging anyone in the World Cup finals,” added Lippi. “For now, I’d say I am happy with the work my players have done, always showing concentration and great enthusiasm.”
Slovenia are welcomed to Palermo’s Stadio Renzo Barbera on Saturday evening and there are concerns the presence of ex-Rosanero Luca Toni could divide the crowd. “The Sicilian fans have always been fantastic and I hope they’ll stick with us for 90 minutes, leaving behind the issues with Toni.”
The Coach’s choices have also caused controversy, as Lazio’s Massimo Oddo and Roma full-back Christian Panucci have again been left out of the Italy squad.
“I do not pick players based on what journalists say,” pointed out the former Juventus and Inter boss. “These are my decisions while I am still in charge. When someone else takes over, then that’ll be the responsibility of someone else.”
Lippi defends Del Piero selection, slams Panucci calls
Tribal Football
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has defended his selection of Juventus striker Alessandro del Piero. "Del Piero is here because he's playing well for Juventus," said Lippi, "little, but well."
Asked about freezing out AS Roma fullback Christian Panucci, Lippi barked: "I have already talked about this a thousand times. All my decisions are made from a technical point of view. I have chosen a group of players and will stick by them."
In France, Panucci responded: "I won't reply to Lippi. All I'll say is that he should look himself in the mirror. We all have eyes and can see what is happening."
Wednesday 05 October
Capello calls for Swede justice
Planet Football
Juventus maintained their 100 per cent record in Serie A, thanks to a 2-0 victory in their top-of-the-table clash with Internazionale. The result was tainted, however, by injuries to key players Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Trezeguet and Lilian Thuram. The Swede's injury particularly angered boss Fabio Capello, who watched on as Marco Materazzi hit Ibrahimovic with a decidedly heavy challenge.
Capello was delighted with the result and performance of his players, who sit five points clear at the top of the table, but he could not hide his annoyance at Materazzi's challenge that resulted in his striker's premature departure.
"What counts is the final result, but we showed to be a team with a big character against a big opponent," said Capello. "We have showed a big determination and the will to obtain a positive result. There has been concentration and humility and we didn't allow a lot to Inter.
"Vieira? He's an important player, but in the same way today Emerson, Nedved and the whole midfield, as well as the defence have been good. Materazzi? Images speak for themselves: I defy anyone not to agree."
Patrick Vieira echoed the thoughts of his manager, and he warned that his new team can only get better.
"We are happy because we have played a good match. Here at Juve I feel better as days pass," revealed the Frenchman. "I like playing here and with Emerson the feeling improves day-by-day. In the midfield we did a good match but the group showed a big strength."
Meanwhile, Inter coach Roberto Mancini lamented his side's lack of ambition as the Milan side failed to take the game to the Italian champions. Mancini moaned: "I think Juve, more than us, in the first half had the guts and the will to win the match. It's a pity because, despite their goals from free-kicks, we could have done better.
"We entered the pitch with a bad approach, and Juve did better than us. In the second half we tried to react and we did better. I think a goal would have changed something."
Juventus chief Moggi: AC Milan a major title threat
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi admits AC Milan remain a major title threat. "The Rossoneri are winning again and when they're doing that at less than 100 per cent then you must be concerned," admitted Moggi. "Milan are always a rival you must respect."
Nedved eyes European prize
Planet Football
Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved revealed the club's gaze is fixed on the UEFA Champions League trophy. The Old Lady have made a perfect start to the season, with Juve celebrating six Serie A wins and two further victories in Europe. Such a fine start has emboldened many at the Stadio Delle Alpi and Nedved believes the acquisition of Patrick Vieira was the final piece in Fabio Capello's jigsaw.
"We will see after some results. We missed one player, the leader Patrick Vieira," he told MF Dnes. "Now we have him so we are complete. The Champions League is our main target, we regard it higher than the Scudetto. But you are not allowed to lose a single match in the play-offs. You can't gain points there like you can in a league."
The vastly experienced former Czech international was recently asked by national team coach Karel Bruckner to reconsider his international retirement but Nedved rejected those advances. Asked he if felt the decision was an easy one, he replied: "For my health yes, for my heart no.
"It was strange to finish but possibly I would not be able to cope [physically] with it. I am 33 and with [Lilian] Thuram we are the oldest players in the Juventus team."
Blasi wants midfield role for Italy
Football Italia
Manuele Blasi’s Juventus career has been revitalised by adopting a full-back position, but he insists he’ll return to midfield duties for the Azzurri. “Marcello Lippi recalled me to the Italy squad so that I can play in midfield, although I know it’s important to have versatility in different positions,” assured the former Perugia man.
Blasi had been left on the sidelines following the arrival of Patrick Vieira in the summer, but recently Fabio Capello has turned him into an effective right-back. That change has coincided with Blasi’s return to the Italy set-up for the World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Moldova.
“I hope that this double role can bode well for me in the Nazionale as well as at club level. If I am back in the international side, then it is because I have been playing more regularly of late.”
It would not be a new development for the Bianconeri, as Gianluca Zambrotta was transformed from an attacking right winger to one of Italy’s best left-backs during his time in Turin.
“This could prove useful in the future, but I am a midfielder and will stay in the centre of the park. Of course, if Lippi asked me to play as a defender then I would do it, but even there the competition for places is extraordinary.”
Lippi stands by Materazzi
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi and the Italian Federation have assured that Marco Materazzi’s position in the Italy squad is not in doubt after his controversial foul on Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “I have spoken to him,” explained the Azzurri Coach. “He has already apologised and Ibrahimovic accepted. It’s clear a challenge like that has no place in the game.”
Materazzi has been at the centre of a media circus after his crunching tackle forced Ibrahimovic out of Juventus’ 2-0 win over Inter on Sunday evening and some sections of the Press thought it unwise to bring him into the World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Moldova.
“I cannot comment on what happens at club level, but the Materazzi I met on international duty was splendid and ready to work hard. I speak to all the players about their actions and also warned Manuele Blasi to calm certain aspects of his game after his dismissal in Toronto. Fouls like that damage the team and the individual player.”
The Italian Federation also rushed to defend the Inter defender, who was only booked for that scything challenge. “He has never done anything bad on international duty,” said President Franco Carraro. “He is aggressive and always ready for battle, but there’s nothing we can reproach him for in his disciplinary record. Materazzi is a player who has always done well for the Azzurri.”
Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic has been called up by Sweden for this week’s World Cup qualifiers and will only know on Thursday or Friday whether the bruising has subsided enough to play.
Gentile: Juventus far too strong for Inter Milan
Tribal Football
Italy U21 coach Claudio Gentile says Inter Milan had no chance of getting past Juventus on Sunday night. Gentile said: "There's still a long way to go in the Scudetto. But with that central midfield, Juventus are very strong. That is their strongest area. They could have been playing for three hours, but the result would still be the same."
Ciro Ferrara: A Tribute
Goal.com
The 2004/005 season marked the end of the career of one of the greatest defenders ever to grace Serie A, Ciro Ferrara. David Morabito remembers him.
Ferrara, with his Caesar-like appearance, marshalled some of the most formidable defensive lines in Serie A history. While the great Napoli side of the late 80’s and early 90’s is often referred to as ‘Maradona’s Napoli,’ most people didn’t realise that while Maradona was scoring goals at one end, Ferrara was putting a stop to them at the other. But such was Ferrara’s career that he spent most of his years playing in the shadow of superstars. The likes of Maradona, Baggio and Del Piero stole the spotlight and took the plaudits, while Ferrara toiled away tirelessly at the back.
While most other clubs didn’t see value in Maradona’s team mates after his career ended, Juventus realised Ciro Ferrara would be a worthy addition to their squad and signed him on for the 1994/1995 season. It took Ferrara only two seasons with the Turin side before he helped them to the Champions League trophy in the 1995/1996 season, against an almighty Ajax outfit. He would go on to score the Bianconeri seven schedutto’s, an intercontinental cup, a UEFA cup, a UEFA super cup, two Italian cups and five Italian Super Cups.
As well as his domineering physical presence in his own box, Ferrara was also an intimidating force in the opponent’s area, often making space for Juve’s strikers and even chipping in with the odd goal. Ferrara was a player who exuded confidence which characterized the Juventus teams of the 90’s. This was reciprocated by the cool finishing of Del Piero, and the relaxed demeanour of the silver haired cigar smoking coach Marcello Lippi.
The calm Ferrara displayed under pressure along with his perfectly timed challenges were in stark contrast to his more aggressive, bone-crunching partner in crime Paulo Montero. Their different, yet equally effective styles made for one of the most feared defensive partnerships in European football. One of their most stunning displays came in the 2002/2003 Champions League final, when the aging duo held off AC Milan’s almighty strike pairing of Andrea Shevchenko and Pippo Inzaghi for 120 minutes, before Juventus lost on penalties.
At 38 years of age and after 500 Serie A appearances, Ciro Ferrara hung up his boots and called an end to a marvellous career spanning 3 decades. Ciro Ferrara’s will not only be remembered for being one of the most gifted defender’s of his generation, but also for carrying himself in an exemplary manner on and off the field.
David Morabito
Tuesday 04 October
Juventus chief Moggi has dig at Inter Milan's Mancini
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi had a swipe at Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini yesterday following victory on Sunday. "Moratti has put in the hands of Mancini a great team. The trainer is young and maybe in a couple of years he will do important things," said Moggi. "This year is too soon for him. He can't get past us."
Inter Milan's Zanetti agrees Juventus move
Tribal Football
Inter Milan midfielder Cristiano Zanetti has verbally agreed a deal with Juventus for next season. Zanetti is off contract from Inter in the summer and has reportedly agreed to join Juve after seeing his relationship with coach Roberto Mancini gradually wane in recent months. A pre-contract agreement of four years worth £2 million-a-season is being drawn up by Juve's money-men for Zanetti to sign on January 1.
Juve reveal Trez absence
Football Italia
David Trezeguet’s injury will keep him out of France’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Switzerland on Saturday, according to a statement on the Juventus website. The French striker pulled a thigh muscle in La Vecchia Signora's 2-0 win over Inter. After scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win, Trezeguet was substituted in the 60th minute.
France boss Raymond Domenech was expecting the striker to arrive at Les Bleus’ training camp at Clairefontaine this evening, but, according to his club, he will not be there. “He needs to rest for seven to 10 days and will therefore not be able to join up with the French national team,” read the statement.
Relationships between France and Juventus have already been strained this season, with Bianconeri boss Fabio Capello making his displeasure at Lilian Thuram's decision to return to international football perfectly clear. Meanwhile, Trezeguet, who is due to have a scan on his thigh on Tuesday, is also regarded as a doubt for the final World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in Paris next Wednesday.
France sweat over Juve pair
Football Italia
Lilian Thuram and David Trezeguet are doubts for France's key World Cup qualifier against Switzerland on Saturday. The Juventus duo were substituted in the second half of Sunday’s 2-0 win over Inter and are now facing a race against time to be fit for the Group 4 showdown in Berne.
Thuram was replaced after 50 minutes, complaining of pain in his right calf and his right thigh, while Trezeguet left the field with a thigh problem 10 minutes later. “David is suffering from a slightly stretched muscle in his left thigh,” confirmed Bianconeri Coach Fabio Capello, while Trezeguet said: “It hurts. I will have a scan tomorrow morning, then we will see.”
Meanwhile, Capello explained that Thuram’s withdrawal was a precautionary step. “We wanted to take him off before the problem worsened,” he said.
Thuram, who first picked up the thigh injury during France’s qualifying match against the Faroe Islands, will be hoping to take his place alongside Jean-Alain Boumsong in central defence, while Trezeguet is aiming to return to the side after serving a two-match suspension. The pair will report for international duty this evening at Clairefontaine as planned.
Monday 03 October
Serie A Preview: Juventus-Inter
Goal.com
A classic of Serie A football takes place Sunday night at the Stadio Delle Alpi as the two best Italian sides of the moment come face to face.
BACKGROUND
Juventus have an enviable 100% record in all competitions so far this season, and after Chelsea’s Champions League draw at Anfield, are the only team left in Europe who can say that. But Inter aren’t too far behind, and indeed if they can grind out another win in Turin, as they have done twice already this year 2005, they will reach them at the top of the table, having lost just that one game against Palermo. For the first time in a while, this fixture has real importance and meaning for the Nerazzurri, who finally look like mounting a serious title challenge, unlike other recent years where they often came to this match with a double-digit disadvantage in points. Of course, it is early in the season and it would have been shocking if Inter were somehow already out of it, but with the team winning five straight games in all competitions since the loss at Palermo without conceding a single goal (that being probably the most important figure), expectations are that Inter will be fighting for 1st place along with Juve and Milan (who are yet to impress this season) until the end this year.
With Juventus three points clear of Inter, who are in second place, you might expect that a draw will suit the champions more, but on the other hand winning this match would be a psychological blow to Inter considering that they will find themselves six points behind the leaders, which is no improvement compared to last year at this stage. Also, Juve will try to “exorcise” the two recent defeats suffered at home against the Nerazzurri, both of which were narrow and arguably undeserved as Inter scored the winner on the counterattack in both games. But from Inter’s point of view a win would probably be even more valuable than for Juve, as for them this is arguably the most significant of the three games played in Turin this year, and three points would take them top of the table alongside their arch-enemies. Then again, considering the form the Bianconeri are in at the moment, no team in Europe would complain too much about a draw against them.
So, the stakes are high, very high, even at this early stage of the season, so let’s speculate on what kind of game it will be. Word was that both earlier games, particularly the Supercup match which was decided in extra time, were highly entertaining affairs with a high standard of football being played, and with Juve getting less than they deserved. However this time, with a draw probably satisfying for both teams, we might see another tactical Italian affair that gets worse every minute that passes with the score at 0-0. Highly anticipated Serie A games like this, where everyone before the match speculates on who might be the match-winner, in the past often finished goalless, with tension among the players being the ultimate winner. Fortunately that has been more the case for Juventus-Milan games, rather than Juventus-Inter, so let’s hope this game continues that positive trend, remembering also that not every game needs a lot of goals to be of high quality.
TEAM NEWS
Juventus
Zebina is out injured and as you’ll know Buffon is out until about
December.
Inter
Inter will still be missing captain Javier Zanetti, as well as Cristiano
Zanetti (no relation to Javier) and Mihajlovic.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Patrick Vieira (Juventus)
Of all the notable transfers we saw in the summer of 2005, everyone agreed
midfielder Vieira’s passage from Arsenal to Juventus would have the
most impact on both clubs, in a negative sense of course for the english
side. The start of this season has completely confirmed that assessment,
as Arsenal are struggling in the Premiership mainly because of their captain’s
absence, while Juve are flying with several crucial goals already being
scored by the Frenchman. Capello is correct when he says that Vieira together
with Emerson in midfield is perhaps the world’s best partnership.
If Juve had a weak spot last season, it was a lack of a quality partner
to Emerson in the center of the park, and no one could have filled that
void better than Vieira. Juventus now have a seemingly flawless team.
Obafemi Martins (Inter)
With Adriano not quite at his best, Martins’ incredible speed and
unpredictability will be a lot to handle for Juve’s somewhat ageing
defence. Against Glasgow Rangers in the Champions League he was Inter’s
best player, providing assists to Cruz and Solari, who missed an incredible
chance with an empty goal at his mercy. He also scored the very important
winning goal against Fiorentina in last Sunday night’s match, and
went on to narrowly miss several other chances. The 20-year-old Nigerian
has already scored a few goals in the past against the black-and-whites
and will need to be at his sharpest to continue doing so.
POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s
Juventus (4-4-2):
Abbiati; Blasi, Cannavaro, Thuram, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Vieira, Emerson,
Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet.
Inter (4-4-2):
Julio Cesar; Cordoba, Samuel, Materazzi, Favalli; Figo, Cambiasso, Veron,
Stankovic; Adriano, Martins.
PREDICTION
Making predictions for this kind of game is usually pointless because with both teams so evenly balanced and doing so well, no result can be excluded and nothing would be shocking (except seeing a lot of goals...). But if the teams are still deadlocked with about 20 minutes to go, don’t be surprised if they start playing the ball around waiting for the final whistle, as neither side will be too distraught with a point from this one.
Juventus-Inter 1-1
Danilo Pochini
Juventus 2 - 0 Inter
Football Italia
Juve maintain their 100 per cent record with a 2-0 victory over Inter thanks to David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved, though there were three injuries. The Bianconeri now go five points clear at the top of the table.
The Nerazzurri went for a decade without even scoring here from open play, but had won their last two Serie A trips to the Delle Alpi - plus August's controversial Italian Super Cup victory. Juan Sebastian Veron scored the winner in that tie, but was ruled out with flu symptoms, opening the door for David Pizarro to take the midfield reins.
Juventus had so far won all seven of their official matches this term between Serie A and the Champions League, but if Inter were to win then they would catch the Bianconeri at the top of the table.
Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to the teams or spectators, as a thunderstorm poured rain down on Turin for several hours before the match and the temperature dropped at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Alessandro Del Piero failed to start his first Derby d'Italia since 1994, while Gigi Buffon, Alessandro Birindelli, Cristiano Zanetti and Javier Zanetti were long-term injuries.
Pavel Nedved curled a free kick just wide of the near post after three minutes, but it was a tense game and many early passes went astray. Adriano had penalty appeals when he tried to dribble through three Juve defenders, but Gianluca Zambrotta's nudge was not considered to be worthy of a spot-kick.
Christian Abbiati caught a dipping Luis Figo free kick, then Zlatan Ibrahimovic rolled across the face of goal where Patrick Vieira was a little too late to tap in. Esteban Cambiasso brought down Mauro Camoranesi on the edge of the box and Ibrahimovic's fierce resulting free kick was only parried into the path of David Trezeguet's close-range header to give Juventus the lead.
There was panic in the Bianconeri are soon after when Manuele Blasi accidentally passed straight to Dejan Stankovic, but he was able to squeeze him out wide. Ibrahimovic just failed to turn in a Trezeguet cut-back, but earlier in the move Nedved had been elbowed in the ribs by Cambiasso in an incident not witnessed by the referee.
Vieira was booked for tripping Pizarro just outside the box and Abbiati punched away the resulting Figo free kick. At the other end, Julio Cesar rushed off his line to kick the ball away from Ibrahimovic, who had pushed his way in front of his marker.
Walter Samuel brought down Ibrahimovic and another free kick proved decisive. This time Nedved curled in a brilliant set-piece that dipped over the wall and in at the near post.
Inter fought back as Adriano and Obafemi Martins exchanged passes until Abbiati pushed the ball off the Nigerian's foot. The goalkeeper picked up a knock to his face during the brave intervention, but he was able to continue.
Materazzi was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after a shocking challenge on Ibrahimovic that seemed to sprain his ankle. It wasn't the first incident between these two players, as the Inter defender caused an injury to the Swede during a pre-season friendly.
There was chaos on a corner kick soon after, as Julio Cesar punched away Vieira's header and the defenders eventually managed to clear. At the other end, Abbiati was again brave to close down Martins and the goalkeeper also saved a Materazzi header from a corner kick.
Ibrahimovic did not recover from that Materazzi challenge and made way for Del Piero. Nedved could've bagged a second, but mistimed his volley on a deflected Vieira cross.
Inter fought back after the restart and a Martins glancing header was just past the sliding Materazzi at the far post. Juve were forced into their second substitution of the night when Thuram's muscular problem flared up again and he was replaced by Robert Kovac.
Adriano's header was deflected wide by Fabio Cannavaro's back and the Brazilian drilled a free kick over the bar. Fabio Capello was very unlucky, as all three of his substitutions were forced by injuries. Trezeguet limped off clutching the back of his left thigh and made way for Marcelo Zalayeta.
Roberto Mancini opted for a brave switch, introducing Alvaro Recoba for Figo for an ambitious trident attack in the final half-hour. There were more penalty appeals for a Zambrotta challenge on Martins, but Abbiati flew to palm a trademark Recoba free kick out of the top corner.
Mancio increased the attacking flair further with Julio Ricardo Cruz for Pizarro, effectively fielding four strikers simultaneously, and the former Bologna man drilled wide within minutes of entering the fray. Juve were now pinned back into their own half and Abbiati was at full stretch to fingertip a low Martins drive round the upright. From the resulting corner kick, he smothered a Cruz header.
Del Piero's ambitious free kick was off target and Materazzi, who risked a red card with a foul on Vieira, was replaced by Ze Maria. Abbiati was nearly beaten by his teammate, as Kovac almost scored an own goal with a wayward backpass. Cruz also drilled over in the final minute of stoppages.
Juventus: Abbiati; Blasi, Thuram (Kovac 50), Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieira, Nedved; Ibrahimovic (Del Piero 44), Trezeguet (Zalayeta 60)
Inter: Julio Cesar; Cordoba, Materazzi (Ze Maria 82), Samuel, Favalli; Figo (Recoba 63), Cambiasso, Pizarro (Cruz 71), Stankovic; Adriano, Martins
Ref: Paparesta
Capello and Mancio praise Juve spirit
Football Italia
Fabio Capello and Roberto Mancini have both singled out the Juventus team spirit as the key to tonight’s victory. “The final result is what’s important, but tonight we proved that we can match quality with a great temperament and character,” said the Juve Coach after the 2-0 win over Inter. “We were consistently determined all over the pitch and really wanted this win.”
Both goals in the Derby d’Italia came from set-pieces, scored by David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved in the first half. “We have two strong strikers who can hold up the ball and cause problems for their defenders, so we tried to make the most of that by earning free kicks. I was pleased with the concentration and humility shown by my side, as they allowed Inter very little and showed a great team spirit.”
Juventus have become the first Serie A side since the three points for a win rule was introduced to maintain a 100 per cent record after six games.
There was bad news for the Bianconeri, as all three substitutions were forced by injuries to Lilian Thuram, Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede was hacked down by a vicious Marco Materazzi challenge and Inter were fortunate to maintain 11 men on the field.
“Thuram was a doubt anyway and felt his condition worsen, so he was replaced as a precautionary measure. As for Materazzi’s foul on Ibrahimovic, the video images need no comment. I don’t want to launch accusations at anyone.”
The midfield was the key element in this victory and Patrick Vieira is taking on an increasingly important role.
“Vieira is a great player who can create play as well as break it up, but Emerson, Mauro Camoranesi and Nedved did the same job in midfield tonight,” noted Capello. “Gianluca Zambrotta started his career as a forward, but has become a fantastic defender and I’ve not found anyone who can beat him in a one-on-one. He’s fairly unique in that left-back position.”
Nerazzurri boss Mancini echoed Capello’s analysis of what won Juventus the Derby d’Italia. “I think that Juve had that extra desire and aggression in the first half that we didn’t, which is disappointing,” said the Inter Coach. “Their pressure on our midfield stopped the service reaching our strikers.”
The visitors fought back after the break and brought some saves out of Christian Abbiati, but even with four strikers on the field couldn’t find a way back into the game.
“The players understood that their mental approach was the wrong one and tried to change that in the second half. Had we scored a goal, then it would’ve turned into a very different game, but we were unlucky with our finishing.”
Inter are now six points adrift of leaders Juventus and behind Milan and Fiorentina, who are tied together in third place. “It’s not a disaster, as there are another 32 games to play, but we need to find that desire to dominate when it comes to big games like this.”
Azzurri: Lippi recalls Blasi
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has recalled Daniele Bonera and Manuele Blasi for next week’s World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Moldova. Parma defender Bonera makes his comeback after injury problems, while Blasi could be used as a full-back in the same position he has been adopting at Juventus over the last month.
As expected, Roma duo Antonio Cassano and Christian Panucci will not play a part in these international tests, but Vincenzo Iaquinta is called after the end of his contract dispute with Udinese. Compared to the recent call-ups, Palermo’s injured defender Andrea Barzagli and Reggina man Giandomenico Mesto are dropped.
Italy will welcome Slovenia to Palermo’s Stadio Barbera on Saturday evening, while Moldova visit Lecce’s Stadio Via del Mare on Wednesday October 12.
Italy squad:
Gk: De Sanctis (Udinese), Peruzzi (Lazio)
D: Bonera (Parma), F Cannavaro (Juventus), Grosso (Palermo), Materazzi (Inter), Nesta (Milan), Zaccardo (Palermo), Zambrotta (Juventus)
M: Barone (Palermo), Blasi (Juventus), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Diana (Sampdoria), Gattuso (Milan), Pirlo (Milan)
F: Del Piero (Juventus), Gilardino (Milan), Iaquinta (Udinese), Toni (Fiorentina), Totti (Roma), Vieri (Milan)
Sunday 02 October
Capello confident of Inter clash
Football Italia
Fabio Capello says he has “positive vibes” about Sunday’s Derby d’Italia and has cleared the air with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “I have positive vibes about the match, as confidence is high following our recent victories,” noted the Juventus Coach. “Our qualities will face off against Inter’s and it has the spirit of a decisive game, even if it’s only Week 6 and there is plenty of time to make up lost ground.”
Inter have won on their last two Serie A trips here – plus a victory in August’s Italian Super Cup – but the Bianconeri are coming into this meeting off the back of seven consecutive wins between domestic and Champions League competition.
“This will be a completely different game to the Super Cup. Inter are one of our rivals for the Scudetto and I hope it’ll be a tough but sportsmanlike match. With these strike forces, I expect the defences will have to be very careful. We’ll try to find their weak point.”
Both sides have minor injury worries, as although Lilian Thuram has a muscular problem and Juan Sebastian Veron is suffering from flu symptoms, both players are in their respective squads. Jonathan Zebina and Sinisa Mihajlovic are out.
“The result of this game will be above all important psychologically,” added Capello. “You don’t need to motivate players for such a big fixture, so if anything my job now is to calm the tension.”
There was tension of another kind following the midweek Champions League win over Rapid Vienna, as Capello’s post-match comments were highly critical of “egotistical” Ibrahimovic.
“I have spoken to Ibra and there is no problem at all with him,” assured the tactician. Ibrahimovic should be able to start despite skipping training for two days with a bruised foot, which means Alessandro Del Piero will miss his first Serie A Derby d’Italia start since 1994.
Meanwhile, midfielder Ruben Olivera has been sidelined for at least three weeks by a left thigh strain suffered during training.
Juventus squad: 3 Chiellini, 4 Vieira, 6 Kovac, 7 Pessotto, 8 Emerson, 9 Ibrahimovic, 10 Del Piero, 11 Nedved, 12 Chimenti, 14 Balzaretti, 16 Camoranesi, 17 Trezeguet, 18 Mutu, 19 Zambrotta, 20 Blasi, 21 Thuram, 22 Bonnefoi, 23 Giannichedda, 25 Zalayeta, 26 Gladstone, 28 Cannavaro, 32 Abbiati
Lippi slams door on Panucci
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi will name the squad to face Slovenia on Sunday, but the Italy boss is ignoring calls to bring back Christian Panucci. “Antonio Cassano will not be called up, as he hasn’t really played regularly for two months,” explained the tactician. “I won’t bring in Panucci either, as I am giving my faith to two young defenders – Christian Zaccardo and Aimo Diana – and want to stick with them.”
Recent Azzurri performances have shown a clear weakness in defence, where Palermo right-back Zaccardo’s errors proved costly against Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Many have called for experienced Roma veteran Panucci to be recalled, but those appeals are set to be ignored.
Nonetheless, Lippi’s men need only a point against Slovenia next Saturday to be certain of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. “With all due respect, I can say that we ought to pick up at least a point against Slovenia,” the former Juventus Coach told RAI Due. “If we aren’t up to that task, then we’ll have to earn the result against Moldova four days later.”
Several nations are already qualified for the tournament in Germany and Lippi is not straying from tradition when looking at potential winners. “Brazil and Argentina are clear favourites, then I see three or four European nations behind them.”
Saturday 01 October
Nedved plots Inter revenge
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved believes it’s about time that Juventus finally beat Inter after suffering defeats in their last two encounters. The top two meet at the Stadio Delle Alpi on Sunday and the Czech ace hasn’t forgotten the recent losses to the Nerazzurri.
Although the Old Lady have won all seven of their games so far, the reverse in the Italian Super Cup and in April – the last occasion they tasted defeat in Serie A – still haunts the midfielder.
"We were the better side in both of those game, but in the end they came away with the victories," he stated. "Let’s hope that it ends differently this time around. An early goal would certainly help make the game more entertaining."
Inter are looking good so far this season and Nerazzurri fans are hopeful that they can challenge the Bianconeri. But Nedved has looked to calm their enthusiasm, insisting that they have proved nothing yet. "Apart from winning the Super Cup, Inter need to win something else to demonstrate that they are better than us," he noted.
However, Nedved has conceded that Inter are on the right path to glory thanks to the presence of his former Lazio colleague Roberto Mancini.
"I’ll meet Mancini with pleasure at the weekend," he continued. "I knew that he would one day become a Coach. After all, he was already in charge on the pitch as a player. He’s not an easy man to get along with, but people like that are often winners."
