Capello ‘ignores’ injury crisis Friday 8 April, 2005
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Juventus boss Fabio Capello is still demanding a win over Fiorentina despite injuries to David Trezeguet and Jonathan Zebina.
The Bianconeri face the Viola on Saturday without the French duo, who are struggling with ankle and thigh problems respectively.
"David’s ankle is still not working properly," stated the Coach, after the striker initially picked up the knock while on international duty.
"We also have a mini defensive crisis as Zebina and Ciro Ferrara are out too. I may decide to play with three at the back instead of four. I’ve not decided on who will start yet."
Capello also confirmed that Brazilian ace Emerson is a major doubt given his physical problems.
"The international break hasn’t been kind to us," he noted. "Emerson’s fitness is an example of that but we will stay quiet and just keep battling."
The Old Lady go into the game against their arch-rivals following a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday.
"We can’t afford to make the same mistake as we did at Anfield," warned the former Roma boss. "We were too slow to get into the pace of the game.
"Let us just focus on Fiorentina now because this is a crucial match for us.
"I’m happy with the condition of the squad and I have a good feeling about the match. But we need to be aware that Fiorentina raise their game against big clubs."
Capello has named a 20-man squad for the Artemio Franchi tie, but will also be without the injured Olivier Kapo and the suspended Ruben Olivera.
Meanwhile, the joint League leaders have sold over 50,000 tickets for the Champions’ League return against Liverpool on Wednesday.
The Bianconeri need to overturn the first leg loss in order to reach the European Cup semi-finals.
Squad: Buffon, Tacchinardi, Montero, Pessotto, Emerson, Ibrahimovic, Del Piero, Nedved, Chimenti, Birindelli, Camoranesi, Appiah, Zambrotta, Blasi, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Zalayeta, Cannavaro, Masiello, De Ceglie