Ranieri rues Juve errors
Sunday 7 October, 2007
Claudio Ranieri rues the chances Juventus missed to secure victory in Florence and explains why Alex Del Piero was dropped.
“It is a shame, as we had several clear-cut opportunities on the counter-attack in the second half,” said the Bianconeri boss after their 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.
Vincenzo Iaquinta had given Juve the lead, but a last-minute spot-kick from Adrian Mutu for Nicola Legrottaglie’s handling offence equalised.
“The penalty was the correct decision, as Legrottaglie had his arms spread pretty wide. It is also true the referee could have disallowed our goal for David Trezeguet’s offside position.”
Ranieri had stated this match would prove whether Juventus were Scudetto material and the answers are inconclusive.
“We want to compete, but we can only do so if the other big clubs give us the opportunity. We did enough to win today, but weren’t sharp enough in those final minutes.”
Tinkerman surprised many by leaving Del Piero on the bench in favour of Iaquinta – who scored their goal.
“I needed Iaquinta as he is a player who attacks space and, knowing we would be under pressure, needed two fast wingers. That is all there is to it.”
Tiago Mendes is reportedly looking at a move to Portugal after he was again left out for Sergio Almiron.
“Almiron is a splendid player and when we put together the squad we tried to form a real team. Almiron can play or not and the same goes for Tiago. I pick players thinking of who can help us win, not who cost more on the transfer market.”
Channel4
Dont think Tiagos in his plans.