Cobolli: «We want to beat Inter»

Cobolli: «We want to beat Inter»

«We want this victory». Just like the shouts of the supporters at the Olimpico, Giovanni Cobolli Gigli sent his support to the team in view of the big match against Inter at the Stadio Meazza in Milan scheduled for Saturday. The Juventus president commented by means of a phone call during a live programme entitled “La Politica nel Pallone” (Politics in football) on GR Parlamento, speaking of all the hot themes at the moment, with much importance given to the super-match against the nerazzurri.

Against Inter at the right time. This match came up at the right time. We have just obtained many important victories. The squad has grown more conscious of its strength. Inter is the usual aircraft carrier, but we have the right ammunition to fight at par, knowing that we can win.

Meazza, is the “Scala” of football. In case of victory it would be another step in a long series of victories and we would be even more conscious of our strength. But we would still have to start thinking immediately of the next match, that away to Zenit in St. Petersburg

At home even in Milan. I am expecting many of our supporters for the match on Saturday. They have also been there for us, even in times of difficulty and so I am sure they will back us even at San Siro.

Ibrahimovic? We have Del Piero. It is known that two years ago it was Ibrahimovic that wanted to leave Juventus. We did our best to convince him to remain and Blanc had long meetings with his agent. The break-up was what the player wanted. We all know his potential. But now, sometimes I think of this and I find consolation in the great things which Del Piero has done and continues to do, in the signing of Amauri and in the great contribution given by Trezeguet and Iaquinta. We are all proud of them.

A controversy-free encounter. Ranieri against Mourinho? They are two persons who know football and who want to win but I want to stop any controversy. We have to make football with authority and respect, we must do things well on the field and not create controversy outside it.

No confrontation with Moratti. There is no sort of defiance between us presidents. I expect to be greeted by him in his usual gentleman manner and then each of us will watch the match from his side.

We want this victory. I hope to watch a match without suffering too much, just like on Thursday against Genoa during which match I saw a well-toned team, alive during the whole 90 minutes and with the will to impose itself. This does not make me suffer but feel at ease. I repeat, we want this victory.

Come on Camoranesi. I already predicted it a couple of days ago. I think we’ll win by 2-1 and one of the goals will be scored by Camoranesi. In a match like this, he can give that something more. Besides I expect much from our central defenders to be able to stop Ibrahimovic.

The last month was great. In these last few matches, I don’t think it’s the team that changed. It simply grew stronger in spirit. The bad patch lasted only two games and then the whole squad once again found its appetite for victory in Italy and Europe.

The change after Palermo. We played the Sicilians at their best time. After that defeat I did very little but Blanc, Secco, the technical team and the team found more consciousness. I took part in a meeting prior to the departure for Naples and I saw a united group. They left hopingly and the defeat at the San Paolo came as a cold shower. But from then one everything began, starting from the victory against Real Madrid. What emerged are those attributes that only great teams have.

Two years of satisfaction. In these last two years, Juventus has returned to its level thanks to the contribution of the players. If I had to say that I expected to return to this level in such a short period I would be labelled presumptuous. But all this was part of a mission entrusted to me, Blanc, the board of directors, the coaches and the players. It was part of our duty even though it is not always possible to achieve. Up to now we managed at a 100 per cent.

Juventus like Ferrari. The duties continue, the ladder continues to grow. We must not give up. Juventus must be a great Italian brand throughout the world, first of playing a great championship. We as a brand compare ourselves to the Ferrari of our friend Montezemolo.

A championship to play for. During the weekend there were positive results for us such as those of Milan and Inter. There are teams of great potential, that is why I expect a tournament which is unsure and exciting.

More potential to express. In this last period we had to do without fundamental players such as Buffon, Trezeguet, Zanetti and Zebina. We are waiting for them to be able to achieve a great second part of the season. Their contribution will be decisive.

Objective : Champions. As a Juventus supporter I cannot but say we won very few Champions Cups when compared to other great teams, so I hope to be able to add another to our trophy cupboard as soon as possible.

Del Piero is always hungry. The events in his life in recent years, from his marriage to the birth of his child, have made more of a man of him. He is always hungry for victory and I can’t but hope, as an Italian, that he can still contribute even to the National team. He is unique and only comparable to himself. Together with Boniperti and Scirea he is the player who left his sign mostly in the history of this club. In the future, if he wants, he may become a great director, but not by my side, instead of me.

The presentation of the new stadium. This week we will have an important moment. A new stadium to guarantee great spectacle to our fans, but also to leave something which can be lasting for the city of Turin, a new temple. It will be a building only for football, 40,000 spectators with a great view. If the minimum distance from the field was 28 metres at the Delle Alpi, now this will be the maximum distance from the field and the public will be able to live the match even more intensely.

*juventus.com