Alex: UEFA Cup is vital

August 9, 1999
Juventus Official Site

With the first leg of the final against Rennes coming up, Alex Del Piero confirms the importance of the Intertoto Cup for the club: "We have to win and that goes for both legs because it’s imperative we play in he UEFA Cup. The Champions’ League is what European competition is all about, but we can’t undervalue the UEFA Cup: it’s not a group competition, but a knockout over two games and we are in the habit of playing these which will be an important stimulus for us."

It’s the same for Zambrotta: "I can’t stand the thought of seeing Juve out of Europe, because this club is used to and deserves to be in the big occasions. There’s no way he will underestimate Rennes and we’ll treat them with the same respect we did with the other teams."

Del Piero answers the claim that Milan won the scudetto without playing in Europe by saying: "We can’t take into account Milan’s example because in the past we have also fought on two fronts and done well."

In the past few weeks Ancelotti’s team have made some important strides forward, but they have still come in for some severe criticism: "I feel, says Del Piero, that they have placed us around fifth or sixth place. I don’t mind, look at the lesson of Irvine in Formula One. I believe we have all the characteristics to battle it out on equal terms with the other teams, but it’s normal for clubs that have made headline purchases to be considered favourites."

Alex is still unsure whether we will start the game against Rennes or come off the bench later. He’ll decide after speaking to Ancelotti and the medical staff closer to kick-off. However, Del Piero is feeling good and looking forward to Zizou’s return who will come on for the second half of the game at Cesena: "In his position, Zidane is the best player in the world."

Zambrotta is also enthusiastically looking forward to his team-mates’ comeback: "In one game Del Piero showed how much he was needed and how important we will be for us. Now it’s Zidane’s turn: together with him and this group in top condition, Juventus have to be considered title contenders."
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