Ranieri's ready for Napoli

Ranieri's ready for Napoli
Friday 27 February, 2009

Claudio Ranieri is keen to forget Juventus' defeat at Chelsea and focus on tomorrow's game against Napoli.

The Old Lady lost 1-0 in their Champions League last 16 first leg at Stamford Bridge.

But now they must return to their domestic objectives as they host struggling Napoli.

“We are getting back to the reality of the championship, but that must be easy for us,” Ranieri said.

“We are expecting to face a Napoli side going through a strange period who will be ready to fight. We need to take each game as it comes.

“Over the last few months we haven't scored many goals? That doesn't worry me because sooner or later we will get lots.”

Ranieri did discuss the Champions League defeat against former side Chelsea.

“Everyone makes mistakes,” he said. “I said that to the players and I will say that to you.

“Now it is down to us to grit our teeth and show everyone that we can keep fighting in all three competitions we are still in.

“I always send out the best team I can and our physical condition gives me cause to relax.”

Veteran Czech winger Pavel Nedved is set to retire at the end of the current campaign.

“I'm not surprised,” Ranieri stated. “He has always said that he would think about it at the end of the season and I will respect that.

“Whoever arrives in his place will need to adapt to playing for Juventus and the inevitable comparisons.”

There have been suggestions that Amauri has been distracted by debate over his international future.

“Perhaps he is in his free time, but you can't see it when he plays,” the ex-Chelsea tactician declared.

“He's not a kid and has fought to get to the level expected at Juventus.”

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