Juve leave Abbiati speechless

Juve leave Abbiati speechless
Wednesday 6 May, 2009

Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati is at a loss to explain what has gone wrong with Juventus in recent weeks.

The Bianconeri have fallen to third place, five points behind the Rossoneri after a run of five games without a victory.

Juventus travel to Milan this weekend and many believe the result will ultimately decide who will finish the season in second place.

Abbiati, who played for Juventus in 2005 and 2006, thinks the game has a much greater significance, though.

“The two teams will play for more than second place. Milan come into this game after a good period, while Juve are facing a small crisis,” Abbiati said.

“This does not mean Milan start as favourites because I think that in front of our colours Juve will find the right motivation.”

When asked if Gigi Buffon was right to express his frustration when Juventus fell behind to Lecce on Sunday, Abbiati replied: “I am very sorry for him because I know he is one who never gives up.

“To see this reaction has given me a little bitterness, but I can understand that in some moments you can also say things you don't really think.

“Anyway, I think that he can get through this moment with relative ease,” the 31-year-old Abbiati explained.

The former Atletico Madrid and Torino goalkeeper believes Buffon's anger is emblematic of Juventus' current plight.

“Pavel Nedved threw his jersey away. These are the sorts of things that hurt Juventus fans. It's difficult to interpret a situation of this kind.

“Juventus were doing well until a couple of weeks ago, and then they had this physical and mental decline.

“To give an explanation is difficult. When I was there I can say that the group was very united,” Abbiati concluded.

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