Post by Taxigirl on Feb 8, 2004 10:49:45 GMT
Marcello Lippi insists that even a defeat at Roma on Sunday evening would not rule Juventus out of the Scudetto chase.
“It would be an important victory if we could leave the Stadio Olimpico with three points,” noted the tactician, “but even a defeat would not mean we’d let go of the title.”
The Bianconeri have earned their last two League titles with a remarkable run of form in the closing stages of the campaign and hope to repeat that trend in 2004.
However, the tension of taking on their old rivals in such a crucial stage of the season has pushed the club to rule a press silence.
“There is always a particularly strange atmosphere leading up to games like this,” confessed Lippi. “We decided not to speak with the newspapers in order to avoid unnecessary controversy and the misuse of our comments.”
One element of the clash that has taken up many newspaper column inches is the fact Pierluigi Collina will officiate.
“Collina is one of the world’s best referees and will be in charge of a game between two of the strongest sides in Italy. It is a correct decision,” assured the Coach.
A strong official is needed for a tie that traditionally causes a great deal of controversy and emotional scenes.
“It is difficult to predict what kind of match it will be. This is the first of three Scudetto clashes between the top teams and everyone wants to win in front of millions of people.”
The public will be able to view this encounter live on British Eurosport, but it is also being beamed all over the world.
“This game will undoubtedly have everything,” continued Lippi. “There will be grit, entertainment, determination and classy football. Roma have a better defence, but we have scored more than anyone else in Serie A.”
“But there is something more important than that: It will not be decisive. Whoever loses this match will not be ruled out of the Scudetto chase entirely.”