can someone post the latest article from channel4, i cant seem to open it. Ranieri hints at a Chiellini exit
Ranieri takes Chiellini to City Saturday 28 July, 2007
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Claudio Ranieri is back in England to test out Juventus, but admits Manchester City target Giorgio Chiellini’s ticket may be one-way.
“Juventus must by their very nature be put among the Scudetto contenders. The side is competitive, but we can’t run away with our enthusiasm, because our rivals are already consolidated teams and we are still making that journey,” said the former Chelsea Coach.
The report that the Bianconeri will be seeded in Tuesday’s Serie A fixtures draw suggests other sides also consider them to be among the giants despite returning to the top flight following their Calciopoli demotion.
The team is in flux after a series of transfers and that isn’t over yet, as Chiellini is expected to sign for Manchester City this weekend in a £7m deal.
“Will Chiellini return to Turin after this tour? It depends on Juve, him and Manchester City,” conceded Ranieri.
“He is an important player for Juve, but if he wants to leave, then we will let him go.”
La Vecchia Signora will play three high-profile friendlies against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, Hamburg in Germany on August 1 and back to England for Sunderland on August 4.
“I want to see how much we are able to help each other out and how the team is gelling,” explained the tactician.
“We are competitive, certainly, but the other big sides already know each other. We’re not at that stage yet.
“I will rotate the squad and try to ensure everyone gets 90 minutes. Alessandro Del Piero isn’t quite up to the same fitness level as the others yet. We have many tests before the August 26 Serie A start and I’m sure his condition will improve.”
Ranieri even hinted at a possible trident attack with former Udinese striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.
“Iaquinta can quite happily play alongside David Trezeguet. They are not incompatible at all. Raffaele Palladino has magnificent technique, but needs to improve in his practicality.”
Channel4