Fabio Capello claims that the 3-2 defeat at Werder Bremen was just the kind of shock therapy Juventus needed to avoid complacency against Lecce.
“We have to rediscover ourselves with the right spirit,” insisted the Coach after that Champions League setback. “That was electro-shock therapy for us, but the kind that can have a positive effect.”
The Bianconeri have been uncharacteristically sloppy at the back since Gianluca Zambrotta’s injury, letting in five goals in their last two official games against Messina and Bremen.
“The only defenders I have at my disposal for this Sunday are Federico Balzaretti, Lilian Thuram, Robert Kovac, Gianluca Pessotto and Manuele Blasi. I’ll also have to rotate the squad to keep everyone fresh. When we worked out our transfer policy, I thought we had enough defenders.”
Fabio Cannavaro has been ever-present this season in the League, but is suspended following his dismissal in Sicily.
Lecce are in penultimate place, but Capello certainly does not expect this to be an easy ride at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
“These are the most difficult games in the calendar, because you need extra motivation and eagerness, not just thinking that sooner or later a goal will come. We have to act as if we were facing a Scudetto contender, especially as Lecce are organised and will do everything to put a spanner in the works.”
Alessandro Del Piero came on against Werder Bremen midweek and inspired both Juve’s goals, so he could be given a starting spot. Francesco Totti’s fractured ankle has also opened the door for his permanent recall to the Italy squad.
“Del Piero is having an excellent season,” admitted Capello. “I think that he is so professional, talented, proud and convinced of his capabilities that Totti’s injury has not changed the way he works ahead of the World Cup.”
Adrian Mutu has recovered from a slight injury and is set to allow Pavel Nedved a rest this weekend.
Juventus squad: Buffon, Vieira, Kovac, Pessotto, Emerson, Ibrahimovic, Del Piero, Nedved, Balzaretti, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Mutu, Blasi, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Giannichedda, Olivera, Zalayeta, Abbiati, Rodriguez
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