Ranieri awaits San Siro battle

Ranieri awaits San Siro battle
Friday 21 March, 2008

Claudio Ranieri is expecting an exciting and open game when he leads his Juventus side out to face Inter at San Siro tomorrow.

There’s no love lost between the Old Lady and Inter and the Derby d’Italia is one of the season’s most heated clashes.

Ranieri’s side were held by Empoli in a disappointing 0-0 on Wednesday, but they arrive with confidence having seen the Nerazzurri’s recent struggles, even if the Juve tactician remains cautious.

“I don’t listen when people say that they are off form,” he said. “Their form will come just from playing against Juve.

“We want to shock them like we did against Roma, but we want to do it in a more positive way.”

Striking star David Trezeguet stated yesterday that he wants to beat Inter so that Roma steal the Scudetto from the reigning champions.

“Trezeguet would prefer Roma to win the Scudetto? I just want us to get a good result – I don’t care about the rest,” Ranieri stressed.

“We know that we are taking on the top of the class, but we are convinced that we can do well. It will be an open game and the result will be uncertain until the end.

“Are we more calm? It’s Inter title to lose, but this game means everything to us and is worth 1000 per cent.”

Trez also criticised Juve’s recent performances and insisted that the Turin outfit have a lot more to give.

“I agree that we need to improve on one hand, but disagree on the other,” Ranieri explained.

“It’s true that our football isn’t flowing, but we are defending very well. The truth is always in the middle.”

The former Parma Coach was reluctant to divulge any information on his team selection as he concluded the interview.

“I will weigh up my decisions and decide everything tomorrow morning,” he revealed.

“The squad is looking good physically. You could see we were the side in shape on Wednesday evening by the fact that several Empoli players were suffering from cramp.”

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Grygera; Camoranesi, Sissoko, Nocerino, Nedved; Trezeguet, Del Piero

* channel4