Claudio Ranieri believes Juventus are “not inferior to Roma or anyone else,” but also complained about the English media hounding him.
The Bianconeri are hoping to be the first Serie A side ever to win the Scudetto straight after earning promotion, but suffered their first defeat at home to Udinese last week.
“We at Juventus are not inferior to anyone, let alone Roma. We recognise their strength, but there is no such thing as a perfect team. We are going to the Olimpico convinced we can play our game.”
The Giallorossi are the only side with a 100 per cent record and are yet to concede a single goal ahead of Sunday’s showdown, but Juve have been dented by that loss to Udinese.
“If Alessandro Del Piero had scored three goals that day instead of hitting the woodwork three times, they would have made him a Saint. Let us say it was one of those moments that is needed to become a great team.”
Ranieri is trying to rebuild his side after the Calciopoli scandal and the year in Serie B, but he sees parallels with the current Roma outfit.
“Roma’s system is perfect now and they were reborn after a difficult period. That is more or less what we have to do as well,” noted the Coach.
“In terms of history we are superior, but that is all water under the bridge and now the mill is churning out fresh water. Luciano Spalletti has been at the Olimpico for three years and oversaw a revolution. I just got here.”
The Bianconeri make the trip without the suspended Jonathan Zebina, while Jean-Alain Boumsong, Mauro Camoranesi and Marco Marchionni are injured.
“Sergio Almiron has recovered, as have the others, and I expect to see a continual growth from my squad. The champions are acting like champions and we are improving with each day. The defeat to Udinese did not dent our conviction.”
Yet Roma are in stunning form right now, as between the Italian Super Cup, Champions League and Serie A they have won all five games, scoring 10 goals and conceding none.
“This is a classic fixture. Francesco Totti is a champion, but I am also thinking about Spalletti’s new signings. Ludovic Giuly looks as if he has been at Roma for five years and Mirko Vucinic is doing much better this year.”
The Calciopoli scandal and the removal of so many controversial figures at the helm have seemingly cleared the air between the two rival clubs, as this week has seen none of the usual headline-baiting statements of previous years.
“I think that is an educational move. I always tell my players not to complain, as I never want to see tension before we go out on to the pitch. I am happy with the situation.”
Ranieri could be forgiven for feeling tense, though, as with Jose Mourinho’s departure from Chelsea, the newspapers in both countries have suggested the next stop is Juventus.
“The English media call me every day and it really is a pain,” said the former Stamford Bridge boss. “What do I think about Mourinho and Chelsea? I couldn’t care less.”
Source: Channel4.com
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