Trio form delights Lippi

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Juventus boss Marcello Lippi says last night’s 2-1 win at Perugia was a good test for three of his men in particular.

The tactician did leave out a host of his first team stars but did field Lilian Thuram, Nicola Legrottaglie and Alessio Tacchinardi after their recent fitness problems.

"It was a good result for us but also a good opportunity to see how those three players are doing," he said.

"It was also a chance for me to play some of my other players who don’t feature very often."

The Bianconeri beat Perugia, for the first time ever in the Coppa Italia, thanks to goals from Marcelo Zalayeta and Marco Di Vaio.

They look good for a place in the last four but the tactician maintains there is still some work to do.

"We are in a favourable position to qualify but let us not forget that there is still 90 minutes left," he noted.

The Italian champions are back in action on Sunday when they take on Siena at the Delle Alpi.

"The side is in good shape," he added. "We are most definitely still in the Scudetto race."

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Juventus have beaten Perugia in the Coppa Italia for the first time ever thanks to a late Marco Di Vaio goal.

The Italian netted in the 89th minute at the Stadio Curi to ensure a 2-1 first leg victory. Juventus are now in pole position to qualify for the semi-finals with the return leg in Turin still to come next week.

Both Coaches decided to rest various first choice players with another crucial round of Serie A games coming up at the weekend.

Yet Juventus did field the likes of Thuram, Legrottaglie and Tacchinardi to test their fitness after various injury problems. As well as the striking duo of Di Vaio and Fabrizio Miccoli.

The latter in particular looked in good shape as he caused numerous problems for his former club in the first period. He tested Perugia ‘keeper Pardini on three occasions in the first 20 minutes but with no success.

Perugia’s offensive threat was limited. Do Prado tried his luck from way out much to the anger of boss Serse Cosmi. The home side’s only other effort of note in the first period was a free-kick from Grosso which was comfortably dealt with by Chimenti.

Juventus should have taken the lead in the 35th minute. Thuram’s inch perfect cross was met by the head of Di Vaio, yet his close range effort was expertly tipped over. Miccoli then warmed Pardini’s hands with a fierce 30-yard free-kick.

The away side did take the lead on the stroke of half-time. Legrottaglie’s header towards goal was saved by Pardini, only for the defender to pick up the rebound and cross for Zalayeta to throw out a leg and put Juve one up. That was his club’s 600th goal in the Coppa Italia.

Perugia brought on Giandomenico after the break and he started to cause Juve some problems. His 51st minute cross was headed onto the bar by Zerbini before he played a crucial part in the equaliser.

The substitute found Fusani and the latter’s cross was volleyed home at the far post by Christian Manfredini – who was making his debut.

Fusani then had a chance himself in the 65th minute until a last ditch tackle by Iuliano saved the day. Maresca tried to put Juve back in front with a speculative long range effort before Di Vaio stole the headlines.

Camoranesi crossed from the right for Di Vaio to head the ball past Pardini with the help of the ‘keeper’s right hand post.

Giandomenico had a great chance to make it 2-2 in the closing seconds but he missed when it looked easier to score. With only Chimenti to beat, he looped the ball over the bar. Juve hung on for a crucial win.

Perugia 1-2 Juventus
Scorers: Zalayeta (J) 45, Manfredini (P) 65, Di Vaio (J) 89

Perugia: Pardini; Nastos, Di Loreto, Ignoffo; Do Prado, Fusani, Gatti, Manfredini (Maschio 71), Grosso; Scandurra (Giandomenico 46), Zerbini (Baciocchi 63)

Juventus: Chimenti; Thuram (Camoranesi 71), Legrottaglie, Iuliano, Pessotto; Zalayeta, Tacchinardi, Appiah (Zambrotta 65), Maresca; Di Vaio, Miccoli

Ref: Bertini