Pavel Nedved has spoken of his excitement ahead of tomorrow’s “great encounter” with Napoli at Juventus Stadium.
The Bianconeri director, who enjoyed a glittering career in the black and white stripes from 2001 to 2009, hopes the game can live up to its billing despite falling immediately after a hectic period of international fixtures.
Speaking from the launch of the Panini Champions League sticker album in Milan, Nedved began: “I’m eagerly anticipating the game. I hope it will be an enjoyable encounter in spite of the inevitable tiredness of the many players who have been on international duty.
“I honestly fail to understand the recent controversy. Playing for your national team is the absolute maximum and I genuinely don’t believe that our players have thought about the words bandied about over the past few days.
“Between them Juventus and Napoli had a total of around 30 players on their travels and each and every one of them will have been focused on performing for their respective nations.”
Nedved refuted suggestions that Saturday’s top of the table clash could provide a clear indication as to the destination of this year’s Scudetto.
“It’s still too early to be a decisive game. But it will be a great encounter contested between two of the best teams in Italy. It’s not a battle between Conte and Mazzarri, it’s a meeting of two great teams, led by two great managers.”
The last meeting of the two sides – Juve’s 4-2 Super Cup triumph in August – saw Napoli elect to snub the prize giving ceremony at Beijing’s National Stadium.
And Nedved has predicted a positive atmosphere at Juventus Stadium despite recent comments made by the Partenopei boss.
“It surprises me that Mazzarri said he would make the same decision again. Despite losing the Coppa Italia final we shook everyone’s hand... However, I don’t think these discussions will unsettle the match atmosphere. Since it opened its doors, Juventus Stadium has always had a party atmosphere, and I think we’ll see that again tomorrow.”
Source: Juventus.com
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