Capello demands winning start
Wednesday 14 September, 2005
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Fabio Capello has told his Juventus side that it is fundamental to start their Champions League campaign with a win at Brugge.
The Bianconeri begin their European Cup assault in Belgium on Wednesday and Capello is immediately eyeing the three points.
"The first game in any competition is always full of difficulties," commented the former Roma boss.
"It is vital that we start the tournament well as it would already be a big step forward if we win."
The Italian side will begin as favourites this evening but the tactician has respect for their opponents.
"They are an organised team like all Belgian sides," he underlined. "They will be tough to play against. We need to be very focused and alert.
"Brugge are very powerful in the air because they have some tall players and men with good technique. We need to step on to the pitch with humility."
The Juventus defence will also come up against a familiar face in the form of former Fiorentina striker Javier Portillo.
"He was dangerous and very able in the penalty area when he was at Real Madrid," noted Capello.
Juventus are without Gigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram, Jonathan Zebina and also Gianluca Pessotto.
So who will play at right-back? "Federico Balzaretti or even Manuele Blasi could be put there," he explained.
"We do have a number of injury problems but my squad this season is complete and able to cope with diverse absences."
Brugges (probable): Stijnen; De Cock, Spilar, Maertens, Valgaeren; Vermant, Englebert, Serebrennikov, Blondel; Portillo, Balaban.
Juventus (probable): Abbiati; Balzaretti, Kovac, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Vieira, Emerson, Nedved; Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic.
Ref: Cantalejo (Spa)
Blasi right back?? i wouldn't want a mad tackler right outside the box where free kicks are really dangerous..