Trez misses Milan trophy clash
Friday 27 August, 2004
David Trezeguet is out of tomorrow’s Trofeo Berlusconi match with Milan, but Fabio Capello is adamant he wants his first Juventus trophy.
“This will be another step towards the Serie A season,” assured the Coach, “but we need to understand whether the side we saw against Djurgarden was the real Juve or a performance created by the emotion of the night.”
The Bianconeri earned their spot in the Champions’ League with a confident 4-1 victory in Sweden, silencing many of their critics.
David Trezeguet bagged a brace during that tie, but he has not even made the trip to the San Siro due to a fitness worry. Paolo Montero and Gianluigi Buffon are also out of action, so Fabrizio Miccoli should partner Alessandro Del Piero.
Capello has already lifted the Champions’ League trophy with both Milan and Real Madrid, but faces a tricky Group phase in this year’s competition.
“When you start such an important adventure,” noted the experienced tactician, “the most difficult game tends to be the first one, and we’re opening our campaign away to Ajax. The Dutch giants are at a more advanced level of fitness and we know their strengths well.”
“Bayern Munich were already a strong side and have since signed some important players to make them competitive in Europe. Maccabi Tel Aviv are the least recognisable outfit, but they are a good outfit.”
“These are all difficult opponents,” concluded Capello, “but Juventus will also be considered a threat by any other club in Europe.”
Their entrance to the Champions’ League has unlocked new transfer funds and this evening director general Luciano Moggi confirmed that Fabio Cannavaro was on his way.
“We have not completed any deal,” noted Moggi, “but we are very close to a conclusion.”
Inter defender Cannavaro is expected to arrive in exchange for cash plus goalkeeper Fabian Carini. The deal could be made official over the weekend.
Juventus squad for the Trofeo Berlusconi:
Buffon, Chimenti; Ferrara, Birindelli, Tudor, Thuram, Zebina, Legrottaglie Pessotto; Emerson, Zambrotta, Tacchinardi, Blasi, Bonnefoi, Baiocco, Kapo; Olivera, Zalayeta, Miccoli, Del Piero