Lippi unveils trident attack
Sunday 29 February, 2004
Marcello Lippi unveils a new three-pronged strike force against bottom of the table Ancona as Juve seek to improve their form.
With David Trezeguet and Enzo Maresca injured, plus Pavel Nedved suspended, the Coach will field Alessandro Del Piero, Marco Di Vaio and Fabrizio Miccoli together from the start.
“Up until now they have only played together once and didn’t do terribly well,” he said of the 1-1 draw at Lecce.
“They know that we need 100 per cent from everyone, as Ancona already held Roma here a few weeks ago and could repeat that performance against us.”
Juventus are still in the chase for the Scudetto, Champions’ League and Coppa Italia, but recent poor performances have seen them bitterly criticised in the press.
Even Honorary President Umberto Agnelli admitted this week he was “unimpressed” with the style of play in the 1-0 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna.
“Agnelli said the same things to me on the telephone,” insisted Lippi, “and if anything it was a compliment.
Considering the sheer number of injuries, the fact we are still able to compete for all trophies is something to be applauded.”
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Sounds great
I don't like the part in bold though, doesn't sound much like a winning attitude
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From the same article:
The rotation system will have to wait after Maresca and Trezeguet were ruled out for five to six weeks with a fractured vertebra and torn shoulder ligament respectively. Igor Tudor is also sidelined with continuing fitness problems.
“I prefer to see the glass as half full,” said the ever-optimistic tactician. “I only have 16 first team players at my disposal, but it would only be a real issue if there were several different injuries in one area of the squad.”
“From now on all the members of this team will get exactly what they wanted – to play in every game. Many times stars got annoyed when they were left on the bench,” revealed Lippi, “but that will no longer be an issue.”
The experienced Coach did not name names, but it has been suggested in the press that Di Vaio and Trezeguet were particularly irritated by the squad rotation policy