Palla pleased with progress Monday 7 January, 2008
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Raffaele Palladino has given himself a positive half-term report and doesn’t fear competition from new recruits.
The former Azzurrini star played a prominent role in the Old Lady’s promotion from Serie B last term, but has spent more time on the bench in the top flight.
“It was tough at the start,” the ex-Livorno man admitted. “After promotion from Serie B there was increased competition at Juve.
“Sadly we couldn’t count on having the extra midweek games in Europe either, so it was inevitable that there would be less space in the side.
“Slowly but surely I have worked quietly to earn Claudio Ranieri’s trust and to be chosen for the national team is a testament to my efforts in Serie A,” he grinned.
“It was an enormous source of satisfaction, even if I returned to the bench before the winter break.”
In order to play a part in Turin, Palladino has needed to be versatile and fill a variety of roles.
“I am naturally a second striker, but under Didier Deschamps I played as a winger,” he explained.
“This season I have also learned to play as a trequartista, behind the strikers. It’s important to adapt to different positions so that you can give your best.”
With rumours linking Juve with Mohamed Sissoko, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Rafael Van Der Vaart, Palladino could face renewed competition for a place in the side, but he still sees a strengthened squad as a positive.
“First and foremost I am a Juventus fan and whatever the sacrifice I want to see the Old Lady thrive at the top level,” he claimed.
“I know that I have faults still that need to be worked on to keep a place in the team. For example, I have a lot to improve on defensively, but I am on the right path.”
Channel 4