Agnelli defends Juve from attacks
Friday 1 October, 2010
Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has written a letter defending his club from attacks amid repeated accusations from Inter.
Earlier this week, Inter chief executive Ernesto Paolillo reacted angrily to Agnelli's visit to the FIGC to ask that they revoke the 2006 Scudetto, which was awarded to the Nerazzurri following Juventus' relegation in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal.
Wiretaps that had reportedly gone missing were recently brought to the attention of the Calciopoli trial in Naples by Luciano Moggi's defence team, and they appear to show Inter attempting to influence referees.
Paolillo took the news badly, saying that Juventus are the ones who should be giving back League titles, and not just that of 2006.
Writing on Juventus' official website ahead of this weekend's Derby d'Italia, Agnelli said: “Dear fans, this first part of the season has often been accompanied by polemic, by opinions and in some cases real attacks on Juventus and their history.
“In a few hours the stage will be set for a game that has always played a great part in the history of football, a history that for us Juventus fans is made up of passion and very often victories, all of which are deserved on the pitch.
“The chatter of recent months has raised the tone, often mixing the roles. Now the time has come to occupy ourselves with the present. A time in which the shareholders and the management are on the one hand committed to protecting and defending our colours with the right instruments and in the most correct and transparent way, and on the other concentrating on a daily basis on getting the players in the condition to offer performances worthy of the black and white colours.
“A time in which the fans, with a sense of responsibility even superior to that of some directors, must support their team even in times of difficulty, without falling into useless exaggerations and violence that stain the joint effort of everyone of all colours who have Juventus in their hearts: footballers, coaches, directors, employees and millions of supporters
“A time that has lasted for 113 years and will continue even after the 90 minutes in which we must all be loyal supporters.
“Forza Juve.”