Camoranesi: «Against AC Milan the turning point»

Camoranesi: «Against AC Milan the turning point»

If it's not a match point, it's very close. Juventus are getting ready to face direct rivals AC Milan on Saturday, knowing that the chance to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League is at stake. With a six-point lead (and one more match to play compared to AC Milan, against Parma), Ranieri's team could leave Ancelotti's men, perhaps their most dangerous opponents for Europe, behind for good.

This game is therefore vital, even more interesting than usual, and it always is a very prestigious and fascinating encounter. It fell upon one of its most eagerly awaited stars to introduce it: Mauro German Camoranesi. The first concept expressed by the Italian-Argentinean player immediately made everyone aware of what Juventus' aims are. «We have a good lead, regardless of Saturday's result we'll be in front and it still wouldn't be easy for them to recover. That's why winning would be like a turning point for us. Mathematically, they could still catch us, but it would be virtually over for them. We'll play to win, the draw would be useful to maintain the distance, but we have to manage that distance mainly by winning. AC Milan? They remain a very competitive side; they have players that can decide a match at any moment. Moreover, they've got Kakà back again, and he's one of those players that can make a difference. I hope this won't be the last time I play against Maldini, he's an example for everyone and he should keep playing».

Juve arrive at this match after a game in Palermo where they got less than they deserved: «Despite the defeat, we did well. Palermo didn't put us under and that's the most important thing. What happens to us in the first half? Maybe we play a little relaxed at first. When we let in a goal, then we have to impose our game and often we're able to overcome the deficit. We weren't able to do so on Sunday, but if we'd won we wouldn't have stolen anything. We have to concentrate on one match at a time from now up to the end of the season, trying to understand if we can arrive in second place. Seven points are a lot and it'll be hard if Roma don't make mistakes. There's not a huge difference between second and third place, apart from the shorter holidays. The main thing is to get back into the Champions League, to face the best teams in Europe again, keeping in mind that there's a big difference between the League and the Cups, and we still have a lot to do to be like the biggest teams in Europe».

Mauro German Camoranesi will surely still be at Juventus next year, and he's eager to play in Europe as a World Champion with his Club. And his future has only one name in it, Juventus: «For the time being, I can say I'm happy because in this last part of the season I was able to train consistently and I still have these last games left to improve even more in terms of fitness. The role I prefer is on the wing, because I've been playing there longest. I can agree to play in the middle, but only for a few matches. You need time to do well in that position and there are players such as Tiago who can do better than me in that role. My future? My contract is up in two years' time. If I’m still fit then, I'd like to extend it, but there's no rush for now. I have a good relationship with the Club and I feel I'm more important than ever, and playing with so many great players is an advantage. We've had lots of managers and I've always played regularly. And this can only make me happy».

*juventus.com