Capello rues errors in Rome Saturday 17 December, 2005
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Fabio Capello concedes that Juventus made costly mistakes in the capital, while Lazio are celebrating this impressive result.
“We played against a good team that were very aggressive and showed great intensity, especially in the opening 20 minutes,” pointed out Capello after tonight’s 1-1 draw.
“We didn’t make the most of some of our chances and Lazio punished us for that. Had we gone into the lead, then perhaps the game would’ve been different, but we certainly gave the Biancocelesti a helping hand. We gave away an incredible goal.”
Lilian Thuram was caught in possession at the byline and Tommaso Rocchi took advantage to fire in from eight yards. David Trezeguet put the final touch on a looping Pavel Nedved header to equalise.
“Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic worked well together, so the fact there weren’t more goals is down to Angelo Peruzzi’s fine saves.”
It was a particularly tense and fiery encounter with over 50 fouls and Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami stretchered off. Initial reports suggest a sprained right knee with possible ligament damage, but further tests are underway in hospital.
“We kept the tempo high and put Juve’s creative centres under pressure,” explained Biancocelesti boss Delio Rossi. “With a bit more luck we would’ve won, but these lads deserve credit for a wonderful performance. I honestly thought we’d have more trouble tonight.”
Meanwhile, all eyes were on Paolo Di Canio after last week’s Roman salute to the far-right Lazio fans. The veteran repeated the gesture when he left the field to be substituted by Goran Pandev, but then turned it into a wave to stave off accusations of bringing politics into football.
“I do not consider his actions to be racist and, without wanting to justify his gesture, I don’t want this club and its fans to be considered political extremists or racists,” added the Coach.