Post by Taxigirl on Feb 4, 2004 9:36:50 GMT
Marcello Lippi admits Inter have boosted their squad during the transfer window, but insists Juventus will triumph in tomorrow’s Coppa Italia clash.
“The Nerazzurri have certainly strengthened their prospects with the arrival of such great players as Adriano and Dejan Stankovic,” noted the tactician.
Some journalists in the pressroom asked whether Lippi envied the new signings lavished upon Alberto Zaccheroni.
“I am the Coach of Juventus,” he pointed out. “How could I be envious of anybody? I have won everything with this club and our projects have always proved successful.”
His latest challenge is to win the Coppa Italia and Juve face a daunting hurdle in the shape of Inter – a side that already beat them 3-1 in Serie A this season.
“It will be a great game,” insists Lippi of tomorrow’s semi-final, “and we have a very strong desire to reach this Final and add another star to our shirts.”
The Bianconeri currently have a tally of nine Coppa’s and will receive a special mark on their team jerseys when reaching double figures.
Lilian Thuram, Alessandro Birindelli, Nicola Legrottaglie and David Trezeguet are out of action for this first leg encounter.
“There will be a squad rotation to balance out the strain, but there will be players on the bench who can come on and change the game if needs be.”
It is an important week for the Turin side, as they will travel to the Stadio Olimpico in a head to head battle with Roma on Sunday evening.
Alessandro Del Piero’s attention is already aimed squarely on the Capital and he looks forward to this Scudetto showdown.
“We have a golden opportunity to overtake Roma and break away in second place,” revealed the captain. “This is one chance we cannot afford to let slip away.”
BRING IT ON BARCODEY PEEPS
