Capello keeps Juve focused Sunday 12 December, 2004
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Juventus must beat Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara to maintain their four-point lead and Fabio Capello warns his men not to think about Milan.
“We have to rediscover that determination and aggression that we had a couple of weeks ago,” said the Bianconeri boss. “Getting three points here would be crucial in maintaining the lead we worked so hard to create. I know it’s Christmas, but we have no intention of giving our rivals any gifts.”
The Turin giants qualified top of their Champions’ League Group and are in front of the Serie A standings, but their performances have been more sluggish of late.
“At Maccabi Tel Aviv I saw more of the grit that had perhaps been lacking against Lazio. Maybe we’re already too relaxed psychologically, but I can assure you that physically we are on fine form.”
There is the risk that his players will already be looking ahead to next Saturday’s crunch match against second-placed Milan, so Capello must work hard to keep them focused.
“We will play against Bologna and keep our minds on that task,” said the tactician. “There is time yet to worry about Milan. In the last few games the Rossoblu have played good football and been unlucky, so let’s hope they don’t rediscover their fortune this weekend!”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic keeps his place alongside Alessandro Del Piero and the Swedish international has been a revelation in his first Serie A season.
“I believe Zlatan has another 20 per cent margin of improvement available to him, as he has extraordinary potential. The Italian League will teach him a great deal, but I already think he has clear objectives mapped out.”
Juventus squad:
1 Buffon, 2 Ferrara, 3 Tacchinardi, 6 Legrottaglie, 7 Pessotto, 8 Emerson, 9 Ibrahimovic, 10 Del Piero, 11 Nedved, 12 Chimenti, 16 Camoranesi, 18 Appiah, 19 Zambrotta, 20 Blasi, 21 Thuram, 22 Bonnefoi, 23 Kapo, 25 Zalayeta, 27 Zebina, 28 Cannavaro
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