Ranieri urges Seba patience
Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri has discussed the possibility of Sebastian Giovinco stepping in for the injured David Trezeguet.
Trez underwent surgery on both knees earlier today and isn't expected to return to the pitch before the end of January 2009.
“They tell me that his operation went well and that makes me happy,” Ranieri said.
“I knew that he had a problem with his other knee as well and it's not for me to ask about the nature of the procedure.”
The loss of Trezeguet could hand Azzurrini starlet Sebastian Giovinco a chance in the first team.
“His (Giovinco) time will come slowly but surely - we shouldn't wait for him like a Messiah,” Ranieri asserted.
“We have to see him as a lad who needs to be slowly integrated and we have to take a responsible approach.
“I have never said that he poses a tactical problem. He is just developing as a player - he always played in the centre and then he was on the left at Empoli.
“I brought him back to be a back-up to Pavel Nedved but that doesn't mean that he can't be used in attack.
“I have a lot of faith in him. He works hard and he has great quality but let's give him some time.”
Juventus currently lead Serie A along with Inter and their next test is a home game against Catania.
“It's too early to talk about a title race with Inter,” Ranieri stressed. “It's an open championship and Milan, Roma and Fiorentina are still in it, as well as Lazio, who have started well, Napoli and Sampdoria.
“Now I am expecting to face a Catania side looking to build on their performance at San Siro.
“They troubled us twice last term when we won 1-0 and when we needed a last-gasp Alessandro Del Piero penalty to get a draw.
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