Ranieri Talk

Ranieri admires Juve grit

Claudio Ranieri was content with Juventus’ aggressive and determined approach in the 0-0 draw away to Milan.

“I am happy with the character we showed against the reigning champions of Europe. Milan do not deserve their current position in the table,” said the Coach.

He had hinted at a trident attack, but left Alessandro Del Piero on the bench for a 4-4-2 system.

“Vincenzo Iaquinta was having problems because he was closed down by Kakha Kaladze and Alessandro Nesta. He is good at sacrificing his own performance for the team in finding space, even if he doesn’t have Del Piero’s technique.

“We tried to get the victory at the end and I thought with Ale, Raffaele Palladino and Marco Marchionni we’d manage it at the end. To play here with a trident would have been a real gamble.”

Juventus are still in the Scudetto race and have now drawn all four of their meetings with the other big clubs.

“When you take on Inter and Milan, you feel the strength of your opponents. Fiorentina are growing, while Roma have the characteristics and quality to be a title contender. As for us, every game is a test.”

Ranieri was asked about the many transfer rumours circulating around the Bianconeri ahead of the January window.

“This summer we tried to sign players who would fit into the existing group. There are players who are a little late in gelling completely, but I believe in them all,” added the former Chelsea boss.

“I don’t think we’ll bring anyone in during January. I also believe in Tiago and Sergio Almiron, two players with great potential.”


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Ranieri: “It's hard on this pitch”

Another draw against a title rival, but the team keep growing and going forward as planned. Juventus return from Milan conscious of being even closer to the top teams and with some regrets about not taking the full three points.

At the end, Claudio Ranieri can consider himself happy with the result, achieved against strong opponents and despite a pitch that really isn't worthy of the so-called Scala of football: “Coming to play here I understood why AC Milan have so many problems winning at home. It's really hard, players can't keep their balance and skilful teams suffer from this. But they're still the European Cup holders and we played a great match tonight. I'm sorry we didn't win, but I'm very happy because the lads showed personality, the younger ones too”.

juventus.com