Post by Taxigirl on Feb 14, 2004 10:11:19 GMT
Juve’s Coppa Italia victory over Inter may have been tainted by controversy, but Alessandro Del Piero maintains it was proof of their character.
“It was a difficult Nerazzurri side to encounter,” he noted on his official website, “but in the end we had that little bit extra to reach an important objective.”
“We knew that it was a very important match and that we needed character, pride and clinical finishing.”
The Bianconeri drew 4-4 on aggregate and eventually won a penalty shoot-out to set up a Coppa Final date with Lazio.
That 2-2 draw at the San Siro saw Del Piero make his comeback after missing out on the 4-0 defeat to Roma with a slight muscular problem. The captain pushed critics aside by scoring a decisive goal and performing an extra time goalline clearance.
“It always pays to keep a cool head in difficult situations,” continued the Italian international.
“Despite conceding an early goal from Adriano, we reacted immediately and dominated the play.”
“This was a test for Juventus and I have to say we passed it with flying colours in terms of our approach and concentration. Now we must think of our Serie A match with Reggina and the Champions’ League.”
Juventus are under fire for the refereeing decisions that played a large part in their Coppa Italia triumph, but that is not the only controversy surrounding the club.
Director General Luciano Moggi has been charged by the Disciplinary Commission for telling the press that he had signed a pre-contract agreement with Dejan Stankovic before Christmas.
The claims held up the Lazio man’s planned move to Inter until the final day of the January transfer window amid fears of a suspension.
An inquiry was opened into the affair and it has now emerged that Stankovic did not sign official paperwork with the Bianconeri.