Capello: End the provocation
Saturday 11 February, 2006
Fabio Capello claims the Derby d’Italia won’t decide the Scudetto, but asks for an 'Olympic spirit’ to the tense clash with Inter.
“I expect a masculine game and I do like football to be aggressive, but I would prefer to see the same Olympic spirit in the stadium. I want a truce between Juventus and Inter,” said the Bianconeri boss.
The two clubs have always been rivals, but the bitterness has escalated in recent years and the controversial refereeing decisions of the last few weeks have further raised temperatures around Sunday’s game.
Some claim this will be win or bust for the Nerazzurri, who are currently nine points adrift of the leaders.
“This is an important tie, but we will not make calculations. Of course it would be a big step forward, but whatever the result it won’t be decisive. Inter are on form, but we must not think they are our only Scudetto challengers. Looking at Milan’s performances in the last couple of games, we cannot rule them out.”
Capello has also analyzed where the biggest dangers come from at the San Siro, where Inter have won 11 matches and lost just once, 3-2 to Roma.
“They are very good at set-pieces and count on Luis Figo, Alvaro Recoba and Adriano, who can all be devastating. If the Brazilian plays when he isn’t on top form, it shows just how important he is for the team. Juventus have more points in the table, but I’m not sure why.”
The Turin giants are without Gianluca Zambrotta and Jonathan Zebina, while Robert Kovac is not 100 per cent fit, but Capello rejected suggestions he would adopt a three-man defence.
“I have four players fighting for two places, so it will be a flat back four. David Trezeguet has the usual problems in his ankle, but is ready to play.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been under pressure lately after scoring just four Serie A goals and reacting angrily to fouls, often costing him a red card.
“Must we always talk about him?” asked an irritated Capello. “People act as if Ibrahimovic is the only one who can decide the game, but there are others who do incredible things and never get noticed. In any case, we have discussed it and he knows he shouldn’t react to fouls.”
Juventus squad: Buffon, Chiellini, Vieira, Kovac, Pessotto, Emerson, Ibrahimovic, Del Piero, Nedved, Criscito, Balzaretti, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Mutu, Blasi, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Giannichedda, Zalayeta, Cannavaro, Abbiati