Nedved skips Lazio clash Saturday 4 December, 2004
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It’s confirmed Pavel Nedved will not be able to face his former Lazio teammates as a bout of flu has floored the Juventus star.
The European Player of the Year 2003 has been suffering from the virus for the last few days and skipped training, but today it became clear he would not recover in time for Sunday’s afternoon kick-off.
“I spoke to Pavel today and he assured me there was no way he could help the team in his current condition,” revealed Coach Fabio Capello.
“I have a choice between Olivier Kapo and Ruben Olivera for that position, while we are also boosted by the return from injury of Alessandro Del Piero.”
Uruguayan Olivera is the favourite to take over that wide left midfield role, while captain Del Piero should start alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
There could be another change in the centre, where Manuele Blasi and Alessio Tacchinardi bid to partner former Roma star Emerson.
Gianluca Zambrotta has only missed out on one Serie A game this season, the 3-0 win over Chievo, but insists he is not running out of steam.
“It did me good to sit out that tie and the international friendly against Finland,” revealed the Italy fullback. “I had a rest and am on form, just like the whole Juve squad. We threw away two points at Inter, but watched the videotape back and have learned from our mistakes.”
Zambrotta was not among the 50 players nominated for the Balon d’Or despite his remarkable consistency in Serie A and the Champions’ League, but he is happy just to fight for team trophies.
“This is without doubt the strongest Juventus side I have played in, and certainly the most complete when you look at the alternatives in every position. It’s a challenge between this line-up and the one I first arrived in with Pippo Inzaghi, Del Piero and Zinedine Zidane
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