Canna fears Parma trap
Sunday 2 January, 2005
Fabio Cannavaro returns to face his former club at the Stadio Tardini on Thursday and warns that troubled Parma can still pose a threat.
“We must be very wary of their attacking potential,” said the Juventus star ahead of his homecoming party. “The counter-attacks could be particularly dangerous for us.”
Few teams have been able to break down Juve’s defence so far this season, but Italian international Alberto Gilardino and his teammates are worrying Cannavaro.
“I don’t think we have the strongest central defensive pairing in Italy,” he noted of his partnership with Lilian Thuram that has been in place since their Parma days. “Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini are better because they have won something.”
It will be a different test for the Bianconeri, as Thuram is suspended for this difficult trip to face the Gialloblu.
“It is always an emotional moment for me when I step back into the Stadio Tardini, even if it will be strange without Thuram by my side. I’m sure that whoever replaces him will fill in admirably.”
There could be further changes for Thursday’s tie, as David Trezeguet resumed training for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery and partnered Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a game between ranks.
“His return is very important to us,” added the ex-Parma captain. “It’s a crucial moment in the Championship and up until now our strikers have been doing over-time. In January there will be just one game per week, so we’ll be able to work on our fitness rather than playing every three days.”