Press conference : Didier Deschamps
Deschamps was still visibly upset as he gave his pre-match press conference at the Olimpico this afternoon, following on from the team’s training session there ahead of tomorrow’s away trip to Bologna. The coach was asked whether the tragedy of Friday night has affected his side’s concentration: “Despite carrying out our preparations for the match - replied the Frenchman - it’s normal that we think of the grief the families of these two boys are going through; we’ve all been struck to the heart by this tragedy, these have been difficult days. In moments like this, football counts for very little”. The journalists then turned their attention to football, and the clash with Bologna: “In my opinion they are better than both Napoli and Genoa. Tomorrow’s game is certainly a real head-to-head, although I don’t know whether it will give us any concrete indications for the future; it will be more an evaluation of the form these two teams are in at the moment. Bologna are well-organised, they have experienced players capable of making a difference, they’re in good shape mentally and their results are there for all to see. It’s a team that’s confident in its own abilities and the fact there’s going to be a sell-out crowd tomorrow will give them an added boost. Bellucci is in great form, it’s not for nothing he’s the leading scorer in Serie B; we need to keep him under control throughout as he has good movement, an accurate shot and he’s very quick”. And how are Juventus from a physical point of view? “This weekend we did our best to work hard, despite everything that’s happened. Trezeguet is available, although he’s still not quite 100%, the same story as Friday night. Del Piero is in a better condition than him because he’s played at least half an hour. With the game called-off on Friday, Zebina has had more time than predicted to recover his strength”. And Chiellini, who was set to play at centre back on Friday? “Friday night’s choice was down to an ankle problem with Kovac, but it’s a valid solution never the less. Chiellini has the right qualities to be a centre back, even if he’s played more as a full back up until now. Having a left-footer at the back also helps when taking the ball out of defence”.
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