++ [ originally posted by m_elayyan ] ++
Capello calls for Juve focus Tuesday 20 September, 2005
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Fabio Capello has warned his Juventus side that they will have to be at their best to win at Udinese on Wednesday.
The Stadio Friuli outfit, despite their 4-2 loss at Fiorentina on Sunday, have been a revelation so far this term and Capello is wary of the threat.
"There is presently great euphoria in Udine, they feel strong and are convinced of their own ability," stated the tactician.
"They are right to have such emotions because Udinese are a good squad and we must play with the greatest amount of attention.
"It will be tough against Udinese because they are a well organised side, dangerous in attack where they have fast and quality individuals. They have a very strong midfield too.
"They also have some good youngsters like Vincenzo Iaquinta, a player who I wanted when I was at Roma."
The reigning champions have had a relatively easy run of things in Serie A so far this term, but Udinese should provide them with their first real test of the campaign.
"In reality, all games are exams for us," added the tactician.
"The fact that we are the only team with maximum points after just three games shows how difficult this championship is for everyone, especially at this point of the season.
"Although the big three – Juventus, Milan and Inter – have strengthened, the others did too in the summer.
"Palermo, Udinese, Sampdoria, Fiorentina and Roma are realities of the game now. It will be hard for us to ‘run’ as we did last season."
Nevertheless, Capello is optimistic about his club’s chances of success during the 2005-06 campaign.
"We were strong last year and we knew it, but we are now even more convinced of our strength," he argued.
"Everyone here occupies an important role in the side and everyone is working hard to carry the water to the same mill. That is what allows us to target certain objectives."
It’s unclear at this stage what sort of line-up Juve will start with, but there are whispers which suggest Alex Del Piero could be relegated to the bench despite his brace against Ascoli.
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