From the papers

April 9, 2001
Juventus Offcial Site

The papers today carry a number of stories, beginning with the race for the league title, through player ratings, and also finding plenty of time to peddle gossip from the changing rooms: LA GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT is focused on the Scudetto race, headlining “Juve: come on Firenze. Support the Viola to stop Roma”. Del Piero brings the team closer to Roma, but in the match against Verona, Juve were not seen to be convincing. Player ratings show a solid Montero, providing security in defence. Del Piero calls on Roma’s opponents today to help the Bianconero cause: “I’ve many friends at Fiorentina…I hope they’ll give us a hand”. The goalscorer then observantly adds that whatever the result today, the points gap will be no wider than it was on Saturday: “Even if it goes badly, it won’t change anything for Juve”. Finally, there’s a touch of realism from coach Ancelotti, who states frankly: “I asked for three points, not entertainment”.

In the CORRIERE DELLO SPORT, its Del Piero again who is keeping Juve title dreams alive. The Bianconeri were not great, but come out of the Verona game with their objective reached. Ancelotti adds his honest analysis: “We played badly, but I just wanted the three points”. Again, there’s expressions of hope that Firenze can put a break on Roma. Off the field, meanwhile, and after the game yesterday was an alleged set-to over refereeing decisions between Tacchinardi, Davids, and the Verona Director of Sport, Foschi. Juve players stand firmly behind their view that Inzaghi was fouled in the area, and therefore the penalty was just.

TUTTOSPORT also portrays Alex Del Piero as key protagonist in Juve’s recovery. In the player ratings, Trezeguet disappointed, Zambrotta confirmed his good form, Montero was irreplaceable, and Tudor a good all-round. There’s column space too for the scuffle between Davids and the Verona directors.

Meanwhile, away from yesterday’s game, the Turin daily is back to the usual business of the transfer market. Zidane is annoyed at his manager’s declarations that he might leave the Bianconero club, and tells him to keep his mouth shut. The star playmaker reminds his manager that he alone will decide his future, and Juve’s directors that he expects reinforcements to join the club next year, particularly those including compatriot, Vieira. His current French team mate, Trezeguet, equally has no intention of moving away from Juve: “My future? Definitely with Juve”. Finally, it’s the Bianconero coach this time who pleads for Fiorentina to give a helping hand to Juve’s title hopes in their game against Roma this afternoon.
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