Camo enjoys Juve advantage
Thursday 10 April, 2008
Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi is happy with the Bianconeri’s campaign ahead of their crucial Saturday showdown against Milan.
The Old Lady host their Rossoneri rivals knowing that a win could more or less secure their place in next season’s Champions League and nearly end the world champions’ fragile hopes.
Juve lead Milan by six points and have a game in hand against Parma and Camoranesi is pleased with their position.
“We have a good advantage,” he declared. “Whatever happens on Saturday, we will be ahead and it won’t be easy for them to catch us.
A victory would feel like a turning point and while mathematically nothing is decided yet, in reality everything is almost certain.
“We will play to win. A draw would see us maintain our lead, but only a victory can widen the gap.”
Despite the Diavolo’s troubles this term, Camoranesi has respect for the opposition.
“Milan are still a very competitive side and they have players who can turn a game at any point,” the Argentine warned.
“Furthermore, they have welcomed back Kaka and he is a man who can make a difference.
“I hope that this isn’t the last time I play against Paolo Maldini, as he is an example and should keep playing.”
Juve lost 3-2 to Palermo last weekend, but they were unlucky to lose a game that they had bossed for significant periods.
“We played well in spite of the defeat,” Camoranesi insisted. “Palermo never dominated and that is the most important thing.
“What happened to us in the first half? Perhaps we didn’t pick up our rhythm in the opening minutes.
“When we scored we had to impose ourselves on the game and we managed to turn things around. We wouldn’t have been lucky to win.
“From now on we are taking each game as it comes and looking to see whether we can finish second.
“Seven points in a big gap and it will be difficult as Roma aren’t making any mistakes.
“The difference between second and third place is just a few days of holiday. The important thing is to return to the Champions League so that we can take on the best sides in Europe.”
Camo concluded with a brief summary of his personal progress since shrugging off the injuries that blighted the first part of the season.
“I am happy because I have been able to work consistently over this last period of the season and I am improving physically,” he said.
“I can be available to play in the middle, but I do prefer the wing. It would take a long time to become better as a central midfielder and there are lots of players who can do it better than I can, like Tiago Mendes.”
Channel 4