Cobolli Gigli: We’re back
Channel 4
Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes it is nights like tonight that show the Bianconeri are back where they belong after a couple of years of enforced exile.
Juventus returned to European competition this year after finishing third in Serie A last season behind Inter and Roma.
The Bianconeri had been stripped of their Champions League place in 2006 following Calciopoli and were relegated to Serie B.
Juventus face Real Madrid this evening at the Santiago Bernabeu two weeks after they beat them 2-1 in Turin.
“For every one of us it is an international debut on a great stage,” he said. “We will be emotional because this is a unique stadium.”
Juventus have started well in Group H and are top after the first three games of the competition with a one-point cushion between them and the Merengues.
“Without wanting to sound optimistic, we have many possibilities of qualifying independently of tonight’s result.
“What with Gigi Buffon and David Trezeguet coming back we can make our own way in the Champions League.”
When asked if he believes the Bianconeri can win at the Bernabeu, Cobolli Gigli replied: “Let’s put it like this, I believe in Juventus.
“In the last few games we have sent a clear message and put ourselves forward again. I liked the way we played against Roma a lot.
“In the dressing room after that game I realised that every one of the players were already concentrating on this match [with Madrid].
“I expect an intense test from Real, but I am also convinced that Juventus will make a good impression. We will play as the leaders of the group.”
If there is one doubt in Cobolli Gigli’s mind, it is the fact that Juventus have a full-scale injury crisis on their hands and travel to Madrid without key players.
“We have several absentees,” he explained. “Even if we are in the process of getting some players back. Mentally though, after four consecutive wins the situation is great.
“The conviction was there before, but it is clear that the victories have reinforced it. The players are up for this one.”
Cobolli Gigli then began to reminisce about Juventus’ encounters with Real in the past, in particular the game when Omar Sivori managed to nutmeg Alfredo Di Stefano.
“For various reasons I cannot help but think of [Mauro] Camoranesi when I remember that moment,” he reflected.
On being asked about Alessandro Del Piero’s recent form, Cobolli Gigli replied: “You cannot ask for more.
“I continue to get enthusiastic and am surprised by our captain’s free-kicks that are, among other things, proof of his meticulous preparation.
“A free-kick is like a roulette wheel. Silence falls around the stadium and as the ball flies turning towards the goal everyone holds their breath.
“When it goes in it is always a great emotion, like on Saturday [when Del Piero scored against Roma].”
good man