“My players put in a great performance despite being in 10 men for the entire second half,” he said after the 0-0 draw at Turin’s Stadio Olimpico.
“The squad is in fine shape, so it’s a shame we were unable to find a way through and Rimini’s goalkeeper made some fantastic saves.”
The Bianconeri were furious on the stroke of half-time when Pavel Nedved appeared to be felled for a penalty, but the referee waved play on.
Federico Balzaretti took his protests too far as they went down the players’ tunnel and was sent off during the interval.
“It was a clear spot-kick, as the defender took away his standing leg. There was a bit of tension, but not just about this incident,” pointed out Deschamps.
The Coach had already commented on the “understandable” reticence of referees to award penalties to Juventus after the Calciopoli scandal.
“There have been decisions like this since the start of the season and last week we were denied another clear penalty at Lecce. Inevitably, in the long run this leads to some losing their calm.
“We have been under pressure for eight months and are now launched on the final sprint towards promotion, so when incidents repeatedly go against us, this can cause tension.”
However, the 1998 World Cup winner did not defend Balzaretti’s actions in the red card row.
“I will not defend the way my players behaved, because one must always keep calm in every situation. I don’t believe they swore or used offensive language against the referee. Unfortunately, right now we have to be stronger than everyone and everything.”