Ranieri trusts in Del Piero
Saturday 15 September, 2007
Claudio Ranieri believes Alessandro Del Piero is fired up to lead Juventus to victory against Udinese despite his disappointing Italy experience.
Alex was roundly criticised for his performance in the 0-0 draw with France, then Coach Roberto Donadoni left him in the stands for the 2-1 qualifying victory in Ukraine.
“I saw all my Azzurri players relaxed and very charged up, so I expect a prompt response from them on the field. Del Piero is calm and determined,” assured Ranieri.
“Do not ask me about the time he spent in the stands in Kiev, as that is something only he can discuss.”
The Bianconeri captain is eager to prove himself again in Serie A and in that way earn more international caps.
It will be a particularly special occasion this weekend, as he faces Udinese’s Antonio Di Natale – the player who took his spot in the Italy side and scored a brace against Ukraine.
“Di Natale has certainly boosted his confidence with that performance, but clearly we will try to stop him and his teammates,” continued the Juventus Coach.
“I want to see a real Juve-style performance, compact and constantly in search of goals. We can say this is the start of a crucial period for the team and over the next few games we’ll have some answers, but the truth is we can only really analyse our potential at the half-way stage of the season.”
After this match the giants will take on Roma, Reggina, local rivals Torino and Fiorentina before the long-awaited November 4 clash with Inter.
Jonathan Zebina misses out on Sunday’s game as he begins a four-match ban for slapping a cameraman in Cagliari’s Stadio Sant’Elia, while fellow defenders Zdenek Grygera and Hasan Salihamidzic are injured.
“Zebina knows he made a mistake,” said Ranieri. “It is true we have not kept a clean sheet this season, but if you look at it carefully we were 5-0 up against Livorno when we conceded and both Cagliari’s goals were penalties.”
The two Pasquale Foggia spot-kicks in Week 2 caused controversy, but the former Chelsea boss came out in favour of the referees.
“I think it right to point to the spot for certain challenges and shirt-pulling, as in other Leagues you do see less of that because it is not tolerated.”
Mauro Camoranesi did well for the Azzurri and finally seems to be finding his form after injury problems throughout the summer.
“Camoranesi had a real tour de force and it was very important for him to play in the Nazionale, but I will talk to him and decide if it is best for him to continue or to rest.”
One of the mysteries of the Juve midfield this term has been Tiago Mendes, who struggled badly in pre-season and is again set to be pushed out by Antonio Nocerino and Cristiano Zanetti.
“He is paying the price for a pre-season training regime that he is not accustomed to, but I am sure he will have a great campaign. He has a small physique and so needs more time to get ready. I am in no hurry, so when he is ready then he will play, perhaps even tomorrow.”
Juventus squad: Buffon, Birindelli, Chiellini, Almiron, Zanetti, Camoranesi, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Nedved, Belardi, Andrade, Trezeguet, Criscito, Palladino, Nocerino, Olivera, Molinaro, Tiago, Legrottaglie
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edited.