I was extremely disappointed when I read this headline:
Lippi content with Friuli point
Saturday 20 March, 2004
Marcello Lippi claims he is happy just to end a run of three consecutive defeats, but Udinese were furious with the referee.
“In the last few games with these same players,” explained the Juventus boss, “we always played a good first half and that was the case again today.”
“Unfortunately, we were unable to make the most of our scoring opportunities and could even have lost it at the end.”
The 0-0 draw at the Stadio Friuli means that whatever the result of the Rome derby, Juventus will remain in third place.
“I must nonetheless compliment my players for their psychological reaction to the last few results in the Champions’ League, Serie A and Coppa Italia.”
Their only real objective now is that second place that ensures automatic entry into next year’s European Cup.
“All we can do,” concluded Lippi, “is start again with the same spirit seen today and try to get that runner-up spot and perhaps overturn our 2-0 Coppa Italia first leg defeat.”
It was a controversial match, as referee Tiziano Pieri came under fire from the home fans for some curious decisions.
“I am not remotely happy with this result,” slammed Luciano Spalletti. “We did everything possible in order to win this match and if there was someone here that feels hard done by it is Udinese.”