Iaquinta: Let me start
Wednesday 13 February, 2008

Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta has called for more playing time in Turin after deciding last weekend’s clash against Udinese.

The Azzurri hitman turned the game at the Stadio Friuli and fired the goal that sank his former side, but he did so after coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute.

With Alessandro Del Piero on form and David Trezeguet leading the scoring charts, Iaquinta may start on the bench in Saturday’s crunch match against Roma, but he is hoping for a starting shirt.

“I knew that there would be problems with competition at Juventus and I am trying to make the most of the chances I get,” the 28-year-old explained on Sky Sport Italia.

“Of course I don’t like sitting on the bench – nobody does. But football is a game of 11 against 11 and the Coach has to make his choices.

“What happened against Udinese was a dream. To come on and score the goal that won the three points was amazing and it sent a message to the boss showing what I can do.

“However, I don’t want to be seen as a player who just does well when he comes on as a sub and so I have to prove myself as a starter, which I hope to be able to do against Roma.

“But the most important thing on Saturday is that Juve go out there and win.”

Three points for the Bianconeri would leave them within a point of second-placed Roma, but they have been dealt a blow with the news that influential winger Mauro Camoranesi will miss out with a back problem.

* channel4