Sonetti challenges Juve
Saturday 15 April, 2006
Cagliari Coach Nedo Sonetti thinks the Sardinians can take advantage of Juventus’ recent slump to push themselves towards safety.
“We are taking on a great squad full of champions and must be modest, but at the same time aware of our own potential and strengths,” explained the tactician.
“Obviously there is respect for one of the biggest clubs in the world and we mustn’t be arrogant when we play against them. Let’s not forget they have stars of the calibre of Alessandro Del Piero, who can make something out of nothing.”
There is a former Juve player in the Cagliari squad, but goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti may not be able to face his old teammates due to a muscular problem.
“Chimenti has been in training, but we’ll only make the decision after a fitness test before kick-off. Nobody in this side has the privilege of knowing their spot is safe, so everyone has to remain alert. My tactics will depend on whether I pick Antonio Langella or Massimo Gobbi.”
Cagliari have recently been adopting either a 4-4-2 with Mauro Esposito moved back into a wide midfield role, or the classic 4-3-3 that served them so well last season. It’s crunch time for the Stadio Sant’Elia outfit, who are just two points clear of the relegation zone.
“These players are earning their place in Serie A, but we now face a sort of mini-Championship of five games in which the task is to get more points than the other sides threatened with relegation. The fact we conceded such a late equaliser against Palermo last week has only fired us up even more and we want to take that out on Juve.”
David Suazo has hit the headlines this season with 17 Serie A goals – half Cagliari’s total output – and is reportedly an £8m transfer target for Manchester United and Juventus.
“Suazo still needs that little step up in quality and then, as I have already told him, he can play for any team in the world.”
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