Juve duo stay positive

Juve duo stay positive
Monday 18 August, 2008

Claudio Ranieri and Alessandro Del Piero have put a brave face on Juventus’ disastrous Trofeo Berlusconi.

The Old Lady fell to a 4-1 defeat at San Siro last night and saw star defender Giorgio Chiellini stretchered off with a serious knee injury.

The only bright spot was a goal from young prospect Christian Pasquato, who surely has a bright future.

“We made several mistakes due to lapses in concentration,” Ranieri lamented on Sky Sport Italia.

“The game was a good example to show the lads the kind of mistakes that we don’t usually make.

“But I was very happy with the young lads who came on. They are talented and have character and need to be allowed to play a few minutes every so often.”

It was a poor night for Del Piero, who failed to make the expected impression on the game.

“Of course this loss counts,” he admitted. “But we must see it for what it is. The important thing is not to make these mistakes on Wednesday.

“The squad has definitely been galvanised but the problem is that Inter and Milan have been as well. We will see the true gap between us on the field.”

However, the Juve skipper was much more positive when he reviewed his personal form over the last month, which has earned him the call to Italy’s squad to face Austria.

“I have played well with Amauri and David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta is an excellent player,” Pinturricchio enthused. “There is no preference on my part.

“I’m happy because I am on good form and enjoying the renewed enthusiasm that Marcello Lippi’s return to the Italy bench has brought.”

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