From the papers

August 21, 1999
Juventus Official Site

The main Juventus stories making the news today are the ongoing treatment to Edgar Davids's right eye, this afternoon's training session at Villar Perosa in front of Gianni Agnelli and Esnaider's declarations about his future.

The Davids saga dominates Tuttosport's and the Corriere dello Sport's Juventus coverage. The Dutch star is still out of action and will not be ready for the first game of the season against Serie A newcomers Reggina. The Corriere speculates that the condition could be very severe indeed and that hypertension to the right eye could rule him out for a long time, particularly since Davids himself seems unwilling to undergo an operation. The Gazzetta dello Sport, by contrast, is calmer about the whole situation, reporting that Davids's visit to Lyons didn't yield any surprise diagnoses. And according to club doctor Agricola, it is far too early to be talking about operating. Most optimistic of all today's papers is La Stampa, whose editorial claims that Davids's eye is getting better.

Esnaider, who is now well on the way to making a full recovery, and who has already played for a short spell in the Berlusconi Trophy, has revealed how happy he is to be staying in Turin. "Nobody has yet been able to verify my true value," he declared. "I'd sooner stay here on the bench than make the first eleven elsewhere. Being sub to Zidane is fine by me."

A special training session takes place at Villar Perosa this afternoon at 4.30pm (local time). Villar Perosa has long been a special venue for the Agnelli family, and the three sports papers all have different ideas about the significance of today's appointment. "It's practically Agnelli's own stand", says the Gazzetta. "And let's not forget that Alessandro Del Piero first came to light here." Tuttosport, meanwhile, calls Villar Perosa "a catwalk", on which old and new players alike will be strutting their stuff. For the Corriere, the fact that Agnelli has called for this special session signals a pre-season party mood.

Finally, Tuttosport finds space for an interview with Luciano Moggi, who more than ever is convinced of the strength of his team this season. Scornful about the fact that the pundits don't seem to share his optimistic view, he said: "They're ruling us out? What a bunch of incompetents! We've made some great new signings in the close season and, of course, we have Del Piero and Ferrara. We are the favourites." He also has a word on Zidane, who told the Juve boss that he didn't want a pay rise until he has proved his value. On the Anelka saga, Moggi had this to say: "Kovacevic is better." And Henry's departure? "Zambrotta is a better player."
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