From the papers

August 15, 2000
Juventus Official Site

Uruguayan goalkeeper Fabian Carini keeps La Gazzetta dello Sport entertained this morning. He tells the Milan-based daily that playing for Juventus has "always been my dream. I have supported the Bianconeri since I was a kid." Carini goes on to reveal that the influence of compatriots Fabian O'Neill and Paolo Montero was a major factor on his joining the club. According to Carini, "Carlo Ancelotti telephoned Montero to ask if I was worth buying - and he backed me all the way. I'm good at knowing when to come out and I've also played as a striker..." David Trezeguet, you've been warned; but it is Roma's Marco Delvecchio whom Carini most fears in Italy. The player's official presentation to the press has been postponed (it was due to take place on Friday), but it seems that he is making their acquaintance well enough.

Meanwhile, the Corriere dello Sport can't get enough of Alessandro Del Piero. The much-loved number 10 has been having a tough time of it of late, so he will be glad to read in today's paper that he has the full support of Juve stalwart Ciro Ferrara. "He has been criticised non-stop ever since he returned from injury," complains the big defender. "And don't forget that he is under enormous pressure to perform. Either way, his inclusion in the side is fundamental. He always makes his presence felt."

The Del Piero issue continues to burn in Tuttosport where the diminutive playmaker finds a powerful ally in Dino Zoff. In an exclusive interview, the man who coached Italy to the Euro 2000 Final advises Juve, "Hold on to Del Piero. Reports that I was disappointed with his performances over the summer are not true. He's in good shape and I firmly believe that he is going to be a better player than ever before."

Finally, if anyone is concerned that Juve haven't made as many major signings over the summer as other Serie A sides, Ciro Ferrara is here to set our minds at rest. "We're a competitive side," he warns. "It's been like this for the last seven years: at the start of the season nobody puts us in pole position, but by the end of the campaign they are eating their words."
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