I Campioni D'Italia!!!!! (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Juventino
- Start date
To be, or not to be: that is the question 
SA Editorial: A Tribute To Lippi's Boys
05/12/2003. Based on the early season form of Italian clubs, most predicted that one of the teams from Milan would capture the Scudetto this season. Juventus were not immediately installed as favorites to claim the championship, and only god knows why. On Saturday, the "Bianconeri" claimed their 27th league title by drawing 2-2 with Perugia. It is Juventus' second straight championship as they defend their title from last year and it is their fifth title in eight years - all with Marcello Lippi at the helm.
Last year, the Scudetto came to Juve as a bit of a surprise. On the final day of the season, Inter, who were in the driver's seat, faltered and Juventus did not let the opportunity pass by. This campaign was much different without the high drama of the championship being decided on the final day. That was due in great part to the consistency that the "Old Lady" showed over the course of the season. This season Juventus got off to a slow start and it looked as though they might fall off the pace early on. In a four match stretch from November 23rd to December 15th, Juventus managed only two points out of a possible 12 and slipped to fourth place.
However, Juve showed their championship mettle and immediately after that bad spurt they won 11 out of their next 12 matches to gain control at the top. Take away the loss to Milan at the end of March, and Juve won all their important matches during the title run-in. In early March, they faced Inter and thumped Hector Cuper's side 3-0. The win was not only important in regards to maintaining their lead at the top of Serie A. The victory showed the swagger of the Turin club, as clearly Lippi's club were poised to win the title. No matter how close Milan or Inter seemed to be, one never had the feeling that Juventus were capable of losing grip of the title.
So, who were the cast of characters for Juventus in this campaign? There were the usual suspects such as Alessandro Del Piero, Edgar Davids, Pavel Nedved as well as the defensive backline. Del Piero was in wonderful form before being injured in February. His comeback in April coincided with the club coming closer to the title, however his early goals laid the foundation for this season's success. Davids marshalled the midfield proving once again what a vital asset he is, perhaps the feistiest midfielder in the world. Possibly, the club's best player this season was Nedved. The Czech midfielder was exceptional and his excellent performances complete with timely goals and assists were key in taking Juve to the summit.
The defense was exceptional, something we have come to expect from Lippi's sides. Gianluigi Buffon showed again why he is the Italian No. 1 in goal, while Ciro Ferrara and Lillian Thuram in particular were very solid. Gianluca Zambrotta also had a strong season after switching to a left-back position. There was also some new blood that helped Juve to their 27th Scudetto. Mauro Camoranesi's great peformances led to a call-up, albeit a controversial one, to the Italian national team. The Argentine-born tricky winger was the perfect complement to Nedved on the right side and his penetrating runs and crosses wreaked havoc amongst opposing defenses. Marco Di Vaio also chipped in with some important goals, though he may need a bit more time to settle in with the club.
Others contributed as well, David Trezeguet came back from injury to help down the stretch, Alessio Tacchinardi played well in the midfield, and Paolo Montero was as hard as ever in defense.
For all the stars, Lippi may be the most important piece of the championship puzzle in Turin. The confidence that he has conveyed to the team has been nothing short of vital as Juventus always seem to come out on top even when they must face high levels of adversity. It is no wonder that Lippi has been the man who has led to the club to their last five championships. Lippi has recently stated that he was never in fear of losing the title, and his club never played like it was. Even Cuper said that Juventus were "deserved winners" as they had the most consistent side.
What next for Juventus? Well the immediate future shows a semi-final date with Real Madrid in the Champions' League. There is still work to be done this season despite winning the league. As for next year... can Lippi lead his men to a three-peat? It certainly would not be out of the question. Lippi has said he wants to lead Juventus to their 30th title which was the dream of long-time owner and fan Gianni Agnelli who passed away earlier this year. Who will bet against them? The challengers always seem to falter at the pivotal stages in recent years, and Juventus always seem to come good when the going get tough. This strong character, this unwillingness to quit, the consistency that was shown this season are all the marks of a true champion.
05/12/2003. Based on the early season form of Italian clubs, most predicted that one of the teams from Milan would capture the Scudetto this season. Juventus were not immediately installed as favorites to claim the championship, and only god knows why. On Saturday, the "Bianconeri" claimed their 27th league title by drawing 2-2 with Perugia. It is Juventus' second straight championship as they defend their title from last year and it is their fifth title in eight years - all with Marcello Lippi at the helm.
Last year, the Scudetto came to Juve as a bit of a surprise. On the final day of the season, Inter, who were in the driver's seat, faltered and Juventus did not let the opportunity pass by. This campaign was much different without the high drama of the championship being decided on the final day. That was due in great part to the consistency that the "Old Lady" showed over the course of the season. This season Juventus got off to a slow start and it looked as though they might fall off the pace early on. In a four match stretch from November 23rd to December 15th, Juventus managed only two points out of a possible 12 and slipped to fourth place.
However, Juve showed their championship mettle and immediately after that bad spurt they won 11 out of their next 12 matches to gain control at the top. Take away the loss to Milan at the end of March, and Juve won all their important matches during the title run-in. In early March, they faced Inter and thumped Hector Cuper's side 3-0. The win was not only important in regards to maintaining their lead at the top of Serie A. The victory showed the swagger of the Turin club, as clearly Lippi's club were poised to win the title. No matter how close Milan or Inter seemed to be, one never had the feeling that Juventus were capable of losing grip of the title.
So, who were the cast of characters for Juventus in this campaign? There were the usual suspects such as Alessandro Del Piero, Edgar Davids, Pavel Nedved as well as the defensive backline. Del Piero was in wonderful form before being injured in February. His comeback in April coincided with the club coming closer to the title, however his early goals laid the foundation for this season's success. Davids marshalled the midfield proving once again what a vital asset he is, perhaps the feistiest midfielder in the world. Possibly, the club's best player this season was Nedved. The Czech midfielder was exceptional and his excellent performances complete with timely goals and assists were key in taking Juve to the summit.
The defense was exceptional, something we have come to expect from Lippi's sides. Gianluigi Buffon showed again why he is the Italian No. 1 in goal, while Ciro Ferrara and Lillian Thuram in particular were very solid. Gianluca Zambrotta also had a strong season after switching to a left-back position. There was also some new blood that helped Juve to their 27th Scudetto. Mauro Camoranesi's great peformances led to a call-up, albeit a controversial one, to the Italian national team. The Argentine-born tricky winger was the perfect complement to Nedved on the right side and his penetrating runs and crosses wreaked havoc amongst opposing defenses. Marco Di Vaio also chipped in with some important goals, though he may need a bit more time to settle in with the club.
Others contributed as well, David Trezeguet came back from injury to help down the stretch, Alessio Tacchinardi played well in the midfield, and Paolo Montero was as hard as ever in defense.
For all the stars, Lippi may be the most important piece of the championship puzzle in Turin. The confidence that he has conveyed to the team has been nothing short of vital as Juventus always seem to come out on top even when they must face high levels of adversity. It is no wonder that Lippi has been the man who has led to the club to their last five championships. Lippi has recently stated that he was never in fear of losing the title, and his club never played like it was. Even Cuper said that Juventus were "deserved winners" as they had the most consistent side.
What next for Juventus? Well the immediate future shows a semi-final date with Real Madrid in the Champions' League. There is still work to be done this season despite winning the league. As for next year... can Lippi lead his men to a three-peat? It certainly would not be out of the question. Lippi has said he wants to lead Juventus to their 30th title which was the dream of long-time owner and fan Gianni Agnelli who passed away earlier this year. Who will bet against them? The challengers always seem to falter at the pivotal stages in recent years, and Juventus always seem to come good when the going get tough. This strong character, this unwillingness to quit, the consistency that was shown this season are all the marks of a true champion.
