Ranieri: «We dedicate this derby to the fans»

Ranieri: «We dedicate this derby to the fans»

«Camoranesi is recovering, but we can't rush things, seeing as he's still not 100% fit. I hope I can have him back against Bologna or the match after that». All hopes of having Camoranesi on the team for the derby game have vanished and Ranieri will now need to invent something in midfield for the game against Torino. There are different options: «I need to think everything through. Tomorrow I'll try to understand what could be the best solution. De Ceglie playing wide in midfield? Any option can work; it depends on where I play Nedved. I'll have to consider if I can play a 19-year old like Ekdal, who would be almost making his debut in such an important game or whether to play Pavel in the middle, or someone else still».

The Bianconeri reach this game after the intense one against Real Madrid. A match where the Bianconeri spent lots of energy, but that also boosted their morale: «Toro's players have had more time than us to prepare this game, they've been able to train, rest, and mentally recharge. We've only been focusing on the derby game from after the end of the clash against Real. We expended a lot of physical and nervous energy, but that match gave us crucial drive. And besides, the derby is a one-off match, different from all the others. It's a game where you give 110%, it doesn't matter what the current League standings are, who's doing well and who isn't. What counts is what you have to offer and your willingness to sacrifice. We have to play a great match and dedicate it to our wonderful fans».

The win against Real Madrid allowed Juve to leave the difficult period behind them: «Things aren't going as well this year, but maybe this is changing now. We can make this change happen, but only if we hold on when there are problems». The Club, through statements made by Chairman Cobolli Gigli and Managing Director Jean-Claude Blanc, confirmed their faith in the Manager up to the end of his contract: «I've always felt both the Club and the players were on my side. The Club officials have done the right thing saying these things publicly and now maybe for a few weeks the press won't be writing anything. On the other hand, all Managers in Italy go through some rough patches. Lippi and Capello have gone through some here at Juve too. In truth, we've gotten nine points with the same teams as last year. The only difference is that last year we'd beat Palermo and lost to Udinese and this year it was the other way round. In any case I want to do better and go as far as possible in the Champions League».

*juventus.com