Injury crisis strikes Juve
Sunday 7 August, 2005
Just one week away from the Italian Supercup clash with Inter, the Bianconeri could be without Alessandro Birindelli, Giorgio Chiellini and Jonathan Zebina.
Former Fiorentina full-back Chiellini (pictured) lasted only five minutes of last night’s 2-0 friendly win at Benfica, as he was stretchered off with a suspected fractured nose following a collision with Alex.
His replacement was Birindelli and he was also carried away from the pitch after spraining his right knee. More tests are needed to know how long he’ll be out for, but there are reports the ligaments have been damaged.
Zebina did not even fly out to Portugal for this prestigious test due to an injury, while Gianluca Zambrotta was left on the sidelines with a cut to his foot.
Muscular problems have also hit Robert Kovac, while Igor Tudor is thought to be on the verge of a move to Supercup opponents Inter in exchange for Cristiano Zanetti.
This leaves Coach Fabio Capello with precious few alternatives in defence, though Zambrotta is set to recover in time for next Sunday’s showdown at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
The situation could further push Juve to move for Miguel, the young defender who is currently at the centre of a transfer row with Benfica. The player insists his contract has expired, but the club maintains there is another year left to run and FIFA are arbitrating on the matter.
“We played a great first half, even if we clearly don’t have full match fitness yet,” said Capello after the 2-0 victory in Lisbon.
“I saw a lot of effort and quality, while tactically are movements are coming together and even Emerson is starting to find his form. It was a tough test and we’ll be ready for the Italian Supercup.”
The Italian Supercup is Serie A’s version of the Charity Shield between Scudetto winners Juventus and Coppa Italia holders Inter.
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Come on Moggi, get us Miguel before the Supercoppa :fero:
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, apart from JUVE-INTER ofcourse which will be played on the Dellialpi 
