We passed Arsenal test

Ranieri: We passed Arsenal test
Sunday 3 August, 2008

Claudio Ranieri cannot help but be pleased with Juventus’ latest Euro victory over Arsenal and looks ahead to today’s meeting with Hamburg.

The Bianconeri’s summer tour in preparation for the Champions League preliminary round has been an unqualified success with victories on Brondby, Borussia Dortmund and now Arsenal’s home turf.

“I am happy with this win,” smiled the Coach following Saturday’s 1-0 result in the Emirates Cup.

“It is true that in the first half Arsene Wenger fielded many youngsters, who had nonetheless done well in previous outings.

“But in the second period the big guns came on and my lads maintained the same performance levels. I’d say we passed an excellent test.”

David Trezeguet scored the only goal of the game, although replays suggest he was in an offside position when redirecting Vincenzo Iaquinta’s free kick.

Juventus have a chance to win the trophy, as they are on four points – three for the win, one for each goal scored – when taking on Hamburg this afternoon.

Real Madrid currently lead following their 2-1 victory over Hamburg and they face Arsenal later today.

“Now we must focus on Hamburg and, as promised, I’ll play those who did not start on Saturday. The Germans played well against Real and beat us last year, so this time around we want to do better.”

Among those set to start at the Emirates are Amauri, Alessandro Del Piero, Christian Poulsen and Mauro Camoranesi.

It is all good preparation for the Champions League preliminary round, which will be against either Artmedia Bratislava or Tampere United of Finland.

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