[Serie A] Juventus - Cagliari (12 Viewers)

Maher

Maher

Juventuz addict
#201
Dec 16, 2002
13,521
#201
Mutu ready for Juve debut Saturday 28 May, 2005

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Adrian Mutu’s ban has expired and he is raring to make his Juve debut this Sunday – insisting it’ll be the first of many appearances for the club.

“I am very nervous and excited about returning to the playing field and I’ll do it on a day where Juventus celebrate their Scudetto,” said the Romanian. “It’s great to see my teammates mark this achievement, though obviously I don’t feel it is my trophy.”


Mutu joined on a free transfer in January, though his position was put in doubt following Chelsea’s legal action. His ban for failing a drugs test expired on May 24 and he’ll be available for selection in tomorrow’s match with Cagliari at the Stadio Delle Alpi.


“I have emerged from the tunnel of drug use and can see the light now,” continued the former Parma and Verona man. “I must thank everyone for giving me such a warm welcome since my first day.”


“I want to score lots of goals now and become an important part of this team. I am not concerned by the competition for places, as I am convinced that I can make a difference and wish to repay Juve for their faith in me.”


There have been reports ever since his arrival that this was only a temporary position, as Mutu could be used as bait to prise Antonio Cassano away from Roma.


“I don’t want to be a pawn in another transfer deal. I am ready to earn my place and achieve important objectives right here in Turin.”


Meanwhile, Shabani Nonda has confirmed Press speculation in both Italy and France that his future is at the Delle Alpi.


“It is time to try a new experience and test myself against the very best,” said the 28-year-old whose contract with Monaco is up. “I have offers from Spain as well, but if I should end up at Juventus then it would be fantastic.”
 

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Juventinoo

Juventinoo

Habibi .. Come to Dubai :)
#205
Oct 20, 2004
3,660
#205
the heats come up


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may28f.html


The tension is rising in Turin as Fabio Capello responded to Alessandro Del Piero’s insistence he had nothing to thank the Coach for, while rumours link the player to Arsenal.

“The results prove me right,” smiled the Juventus boss as he prepared for Sunday’s Scudetto celebrations. “One less ‘thank you’ I receive won’t make much difference considering the many people who have shown me gratitude for this year.”

The relationship between Capello and the captain has been poor throughout the campaign, particularly with Del Piero substituted a remarkable 26 times and usually the first to be pushed aside for tactical requirements.


Yesterday afternoon Del Piero hit out at his Coach and assured during his Press Conference that he did not need to thank Capello for the title success. The Italian international also warned that he would reconsider his future if he was not given guarantees of more first team football.


“A club like Juventus cannot give guarantees to a player, as those who go on to the field do so because they have earned it,” snapped Capello in response. “If Del Piero asks for guarantees, then what are the others supposed to say?”


Their relationship is now hanging by a thread and it’s increasingly likely that Alex will move on in the summer. He is not short on offers and could bring in precious resources to the club coffers.


The Japanese J-League has been following the situation for several seasons now, in particular Yokohama Marinos, but there is a new rumour of interest from Arsenal. The main problem is represented by his £7m per season wages, but he would be willing to take a pay-cut at this stage of his career.


Meanwhile, Juventus will be presented with the Scudetto trophy during Sunday’s match with Cagliari and then travel through the streets of Turin in an open-top bus.
 
king Ale

king Ale

Senior Member
#213
Oct 28, 2004
21,689
#213
Serie A Preview: Juventus-Cagliari
5/28/2005 4:23:00 PM
With the Scudetto handed to Juventus last week due to Milan’s draw vs. Palermo, many say that Serie A has wrapped up and there is little to play for. Ignorance is bliss in this word and as the astute individual of football knows, and if Liverpool gave us any lesson, is that it is never over till the fat lady sings.
BACKGROUND

With the Scudetto already won there seems little to play for and many predict that Juventus will take it easy and play for the fun of the game. Yes there is little pressure, but the Juve tifosi are a picky bunch and it is not la Vecchia Signora’s style to sit back and relax. They are good at absorbing pressure and moreover, they are good at causing stress to other teams. In short, Juve had a good season and showed their championship credentials in the end, but they would like to end the season on a high note in order to appease the tifosi and possibly rub salt at their rivals (and why not?).

Cagliari has had a wonderful season. They finished in the top ten and were never in threat of relegation. They have a star in Esposito and with a vibrant youth system this team can go far in the future. They could very well be the new Sampdoria of Serie A in a few years. They resemble each other. A team that re-entered Serie A, eventually building up to a high calibre team that can contest with the bigger teams. Moreover, they also have the sly fox, Zola, which at 38 years old, shows no signs of slowing down. His experience surely aided the youngsters on this team. They have to work on their away record if they want to achieve more grandiose goals, but with this squad, I believe they can do it. They are one of the few teams to give a headache to Juventus. They did not defeat them, but they did come back from behind at home with a wonderful header by Zola. They play Juve at the Delli Alpi and their away record could be a factor in this game.


TEAM NEWS

Juventus
There are no injuries and suspensions. Capello, however, has to do without Montero (a good thing be it he holds the record for most fouls and cards), Olivera and Zalayeta as they are training for Uruguay. Pessotto gets a rare call up and Mutu, Juve’s prodigal son can finally start for Juve. He is a sub, but expect Del Piero or Trezeguet to make room for him. Cannavaro, Zebina, Zambrotta, Nedved and Emerson carry yellow cards to this game.

Cagliari
No suspensions or injuries. Delnevo and Suazo bring yellow cards to this game. If this was earlier in the season or a Scudetto to be contested, a healthy team full of starters would have been an asset to both teams.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mutu (Juventus)
This is an opportunity to for him to rid the rust and for Capello to see if the young man has what it takes. If Moggi likes what he sees, he could very well use him in player negotiations. It is a bit exaggerated to see him play a great game or score a goal, but it would be nice to see what this lad can offer to Juve or if Chelsea was right in sacking him.

Zola (Cagliari)
Buffon’s nightmare. He scored a wonderful header in the first game. This very well could be his last game and the last opportunity to see a great player in action. What a wonderful way to end his career in style to score a goal or two. He could you know.


PROBABLE STARTING XI’s

Juventus (4-3-3):
Buffon, Thuram, Cannavaro, Pessotto, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Emerson, Nedved, Del Piero, Trezuguet, Ibrahimovic. Coach: Capello.

Cagliari (4-3-3):
Iezzo, Pisano, Loria, Bega, Agostini, Abeijon, Budel, Gobbi, Esposito, Zola, Langella. Coach: Arrigoni.


PREDICTION

Expect Juve to be relaxed and substitute many starters. They have little to play for, but they have the depth and quality to beat Cagliari. In the end though, expect a draw as both teams will not risk a loss and Juventus has no intention, let alone any motivation, to win as they are already declared winners.
 
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