Claudio Ranieri has warned Juventus not to assume a Champions League spot is secure before Sunday’s match with Atalanta.
“We have to end this week on a high,” said the Coach after Wednesday’s rescheduled 3-0 win over Parma.
“It is a difficult game and Atalanta gave us real problems when we met earlier this season. We shall need great determination and motivation.
“As Trap used to say, don’t say cat unless it’s in the bag,” he grinned.
One of Giovanni Trapattoni’s most famous sayings was an adaptation of ‘don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched,’ placed in his unique way with language.
One more win could mathematically safeguard Juve’s top four finish, but few have conquered the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia this term.
Giorgio Chiellini is still an injury doubt, but Cristiano Zanetti, Jonathan Zebina and Nicola Legrottaglie have recovered.
There has been talk of Pavel Nedved retiring this summer, but Ranieri does not see it happening.
“He will continue to play and for that matter I’m certain he’ll return to the national team. He runs, has fun, fights and gets angry. It’s the same old Nedved and he’s still so hungry.”
The tactician hopes his entire team can take on the same attitude even after third place is under lock and key.
“We must and want to be the best. This is the concept that the champions have passed down to the squad. When I see everyone fight to the last day, it’s a sign they have understood the lesson.”
