Post by Taxigirl on Jan 28, 2004 9:47:47 GMT
Alessandro Del Piero insists that hard work is all that is needed for Juventus to close the gap on the Serie A leaders.
“We are halfway through the season and had best start rolling up our sleeves,” commented the Bianconeri captain on his official website.
Many critics have lambasted the team after the 3-3 draw at relegation battlers Empoli, particularly as it highlighted their worst defensive record in 40 years.
“That result did not make our heads drop. If anything it provides us with more motivation to do well and work out our problems as soon as possible. There is much work to be done.”
As leaders Roma were also held to a draw, the gap remains unchanged, but Milan could zoom out in front if they beat Siena on Wednesday.
However, it is the defensive record that has caught all the headlines this weekend with Juve conceding 21 goals in 18 games.
“I have let in 13 goals more than Milan goalkeeper Dida,” sighed Italian Number 1 Gigi Buffon. “It is a miracle that we are in third place considering these statistics.”
Nonetheless, Marcello Lippi and the club continue to maintain that no new defenders will be signed during the January transfer window.
There is hope that 37-year-old Ciro Ferrara will recover from an injury in time to face Roma in the big top of the table clash next weekend.