Ranieri: It wouldn't go in! Wednesday 24 September, 2008
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Claudio Ranieri was cursing Juventus’ luck after they “tried everything to score” the winner against Catania.
The Bianconeri had taken the lead through Amauri, but couldn’t fight back after Gianvito Plasmati’s equaliser.
“In the last half-hour we tried everything to score, but the ball didn’t want to go in. It’s a shame,” mused the tactician.
“We wasted a lot of chances, but this is football and one day the game will come where we only need a couple of opportunities to win. We’ll do better in time.”
Plasmati was able to tap in from close range after a cross went past both Nicola Legrottaglie and Giorgio Chiellini.
“We conceded a goal thanks to an absurd bounce of the ball, as Chiellini had it covered and it changed direction. We are playing on sand in Turin, but so are our opponents, although it’s worse for us when we try to play the ball to feet.
“Catania worked hard, clammed up and if you don’t have the right pace in moving the ball around, you can’t break them down.”
Sebastian Giovinco was fielded on the left side of midfield in place of Pavel Nedved and, aside from setting up Amauri’s goal, he impressed the Juve faithful.
“We took Giovinco back home because we expect him to perform the way he did tonight,” said Ranieri.
“He started many scoring opportunities and did well. This is what we wanted.”
Catania Coach Walter Zenga went close to causing an upset at San Siro against Inter 10 days ago and finally managed to snatch a point from Juve.
“For more than an hour we were on level terms with Juventus, then a great performance from our goalkeeper Bizzarri helped take home the point,” said the boss.
Channel 4