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Ranieri: Juve bunch of dummies! Sunday 31 August, 2008
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Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri lambasted his team of “dummies” for allowing 10-man Fiorentina to equalise.
“Many times you accept a draw, in other occasions it leaves you upset,” commented the Coach after the 1-1 result at the Stadio Franchi.
“We were in charge of the game and could have sealed it with Amauri and Alessandro Del Piero. An experienced side like Juve cannot allow Fiorentina these chances. We were dummies.”
Pavel Nedved had given the Bianconeri the lead, but in the final minute – after Felipe Melo’s dismissal – Alberto Gilardino turned Olof Mellberg to grab a point.
“Allowing your opponents into the box lets them flick on the ball and strike from close range, which is what Gilardino did,” continued Ranieri.
“He’s very good at leaning on defenders, so he scored a trademark goal there.”
The tactician’s own choices caused some confusion, though, as after the red card he introduced striker Vincenzo Iaquinta for midfielder Mauro Camoranesi.
“Camoranesi had asked to come off because he had a calf problem, so I threw on Iaquinta to ‘tell’ the squad that we had the strength to finish the job. Then Gilardino’s goal ruined the whole plan.
“I go to bed relaxed tonight because I know we have signed some new players who still have to settle in and learn how the team approaches games. We were missing the entire midfield spine of the squad, but didn’t notice, so I am satisfied with the work done.”
Juventus went to Florence without Momo Sissoko, Cristiano Zanetti, Marco Marchionni, Giorgio Chiellini and David Trezeguet.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/aug31t.html