Juve's treble chance- Pippo, Alex and Zizou

August 12, 1999
Juventus Official Site

Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Rennes in their Intertoto Cup final first leg fuelled the hopes of supporters in Cesena last night. It was an emotional night with favourites Del Piero and Zidane making second-half appearances, but when they launched into a rendition of "We’re gonna win the league", it was less in hope than expectation.

The Juventus faithful found further cause for optimism in Inzaghi’s post-match comments. The striker said: "When you play for Juventus, you play to win, to win everything, After these first few games the mood is good and we’re ready to stake our claim - we hope to win the title."

But Carlo Ancelotti was not getting carried away. The coach can see room for improvement and said: "The team is looking tired, there’s no getting away from it. Our pre-season preparations were designed with the league and not the Intertoto in mind, and in this respect we have hedged our bets. We have been having to raise our game in the second half, but that happens when your opponents are fitter as ours have been. In glimpses we have seen what the team can do; we still have to work on the understanding between the back three and the wide midfielders."

Inzaghi enjoyed his two goals which takes his tally to seven in the competition. He said: "Ancelotti wants me to continue in this form and so do I. I owe both goals to the players around me. The first was my favourite because the ball was fired across the way I like it. The second was more spectacular but perhaps a little easier as Del Piero and Zidane had done all the hard work with Del Piero cutting through their defence."

Inzaghi also singled out the Serbian Kovacevic, saying: "I enjoyed playing alongside him too. The important thing as I see it is to feel good. The groin problem is a distant memory and the way I am feeling, it is just a matter of time before I score."

The former Atalanta player also said that Juventus will challenge for the title: "I am sure that we will and I think that having a big strong squad could give us the edge."

And the last word on the night was with Zidane, whose actions spoke volumes. The French international showed just how important he will be to the team in the coming months and was thrilled with his contribution on his return to the side. He said: "I want to continue along the same lines because of my burning desire to win."

And Edgar Davids was back in hospital today. His eye was re-examined by specialists and club doctor Riccardo Agricola commented: "The situation is improving. This morning the player underwent a series of tests which show that pressure in the affected eye is now almost back to normal." Davids is enjoying a break from training but will continue with his course of treatment. He is feeling fine and will alter the dosage as required.
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