Camo has Old Lady faith
Tuesday 22 July, 2008
Mauro Camoranesi concedes that Milan have made a big signing in Ronaldinho, but insists that the Old Lady are a force to be reckoned with.
The Old Lady shocked many by finishing third in their first season back in the top flight after their Calciopoli punishment.
It remains to be seen whether Juve have enough in their arsenal for a Scudetto push, but their first target is to qualify for the main phase of the Champions League.
“Our objectives are different from last season,” Camoranesi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The last two years were strange for us and now we have the chance to make a crucial step and qualify for the Champions League Group stage.
“We have prepared well to get through the round and return to Europe. We have to do that this year to complete the job that we did over the last two years.”
Milan and Inter have brought in Ronaldinho and Jose Mourinho respectively and could be fearsome opponents.
“This year the two Milan sides look good,” Camo admitted. “They will both be very competitive and I think that Inter will be the team to beat.
“Two years ago Ronaldinho was the best player in the world and I can’t see why he can’t return to that level at Milan. I still consider him to be amongst the three or four best in the world.
“But this Juventus side also seems competitive and our rivals know that we are a team of fighters who will fight to the end. We want to get as far as we can in every competition.”
Juventus have been accused of a low-key transfer campaign, but Camoranesi thinks sporting director Alessio Secco has done the job adequately.
“Undoubtedly the big transfer of the summer for us was the arrival of Amauri,” he insisted.
“We needed several players and important champions have arrived, but the pitch will tell who has done the best.
“Christian Poulsen? I still don’t know him because he has only just arrived. He is experienced at the highest level and has the right mentality to do well here.
“Competition is a fundamental factor at the big teams. At least two players are needed for each position so that the team can be changed around and kept fresh.”
The talented winger concluded by discussing the national side and his personal aims for the coming season.
“I am happy that Marcello Lippi has returned,” he said. “But I want to thank Roberto Donadoni – I have the greatest respect for him and he always treated me well.
“At the moment I have a great desire to keep wearing the Azzurri shirt. Last year I had various injury problems and now I am hoping to be lucky.
“Physical troubles can shape a season, especially when they hit you early in your preparations.”
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