Capello doubts Fiorentina quality Sunday 4 December, 2005
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Fabio Capello has fired up the grudge match with Fiorentina by claiming the Tuscans are defensive and that Luca Toni cannot compare to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“The Viola are a side that defend in nine men and just leave Toni upfront,” assured the Juventus boss ahead of Sunday’s game. The statistics don’t necessarily back up this view, as Fiorentina are the third most prolific team in Serie A with 28 goals – one adrift of Juve and Milan.
“They have one style of play and we have another. Nonetheless, I must compliment Cesare Prandelli and the club, as they deserve to be in third place at the moment. It’ll be another great game after Thursday’s encounter.”
This is the second time the two sides are set to meet within the space of four days, as Fiorentina were leading 2-0 in the Coppa Italia on Thursday before Juve fought back for a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
That match was suspended for 35 minutes due to crowd trouble and police are on high alert for this Serie A clash on Sunday afternoon.
“These so-called fans are given too much publicity and when they are photographed in the newspapers it puts them in the spotlight. It’s exactly what they want and it leads other youngsters to follow their example. Nothing happened inside the stadium, it was all outside.”
Gianluigi Buffon made his comeback three months after a shoulder injury for that Coppa Italia tie, but will not start in goal this weekend.
“Buffon is on the bench and Christian Abbiati will start. Gigi is a wise person and does not feel ready yet, as it’s clear that after three months you cannot just slot right back into your usual routine.”
Yet Capello’s comments will have cranked up the tension further, as he compared current Capocannoniere Toni to Bianconeri star Ibrahimovic.
“Toni is going through a magic moment right now and that has given him even more confidence, but Ibrahimovic is faster and has better close-ball skills.”
This is a tough test for Juve and they hope to maintain their five-point gap at the top of the Serie A table.
“We are not thinking about the Scudetto,” insisted the Coach. “We can only take it one game at a time. This season I’ve seen a general growth of the squad and new faces like Federico Balzaretti, Adrian Mutu and Abbiati have settled in well. I’m happy with the side at my disposal.”