Ranieri thanks star duo

Ranieri thanks star duo
Saturday 15 December, 2007

Claudio Ranieri concedes Juventus only won tonight because of two stars. “Thank goodness for Alex Del Piero and Gigi Buffon!”

The Bianconeri earned a 3-2 victory at Lazio’s Stadio Olimpico – their first away win since Week 2 at Cagliari – but it was a very tough match.

“We made three steps forward because we picked up three points, but it was four months back because Lazio got more shots on goal than all the other teams put together this season,” moaned Ranieri.

“We did not put in a good performance. Thank goodness we had Buffon and Del Piero tonight.”

The goalkeeper performed several crucial saves, including an absolute stunner from point-blank range on Tommaso Rocchi, while Del Piero netted twice on the counter.

“When you win it is natural to be happy with the result, but we made far too many mistakes and did not cover the field well. It’s lucky we won.”

Del Piero was given a rare start due to Vincenzo Iaquinta’s injury and made the most of this chance by scoring a brace.

“He had already played well last time and you can see he is in good shape, as when he starts running the defenders can’t catch him. I repeat, thanks to Alex and Buffon we picked up three important points.

“Lazio put us under real pressure every time they got the ball. They showed great pride and played some excellent football. They are alive and kicking, no doubt about it.”

The Biancocelesti are now forced to focus on Serie A after their midweek Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.

Juventus have only ever been able to aim for the Scudetto and are now five points adrift of leaders Inter.

“I already said it before the season kicked off – Inter are certainly a better team, but Juve have an indomitable spirit that I like to fire up even further. Only Inter can lose this title, but I want to be there if they do slip up.”


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