Juve will need a strong result to overturn their 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Atalanta, but Fabio Capello remains confident.
“We played a good first half, then gifted a goal and from that moment on we were disappointing,” conceded the Coach after last night’s Third Round tie at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia.
Some critics have claimed that the Bianconeri’s fine run will hit problems because the squad lacks strength in depth and the second-string side struggled to make an impact.
“I saw Antonio Chimenti play very well between the posts,” insisted Capello. “We tried to win it, but unfortunately it didn’t go well. I am happy with the fitness levels, though clearly the result is unsatisfactory. We still have the second leg to turn it around.”
There were also concerns after Pavel Nedved – up until that point their most influential player in the game – limped off with a bruised leg.
“He picked up a knock to his left ankle,” explained the tactician. “We obviously hope it is nothing serious, but we will evaluate the situation over the next few hours.”
The result is certainly a boost for Atalanta, who are the only Serie A side still without a League victory this season.
“This is a deserved victory earned against a great squad,” beamed Andrea Mandorlini. “Juve have a big enough squad to be top class even without many of their bigger stars and we’ll enjoy this result ahead of the trip to Turin.”
Buy on AliExpress.com
