Claudio Ranieri welcomes a new era in the Juve-Fiorentina grudge match and the return of top stars including David Trezeguet and Gigi Buffon.
“It is another big game against one of our historic rivals,” smiled the tactician just days after a 0-0 with Torino.
“While I wouldn’t exactly call it a Champions League play-off, it is a very important match and we want all three points.
“We must compliment the Della Valle family, Pantaleo Corvino and Cesare Prandelli, because year after year they are constructing a great squad.
“They were not afraid to sell Luca Toni and it’s not easy to play in the UEFA Cup while challenging for the top four.”
The Bianconeri would consolidate third place and perhaps close on Roma in second with a victory in the game that will be live on Five this Sunday afternoon.
“It is up to us to do well and we want to win. It won’t be an easy encounter, but we are playing on home turf and intend to state our case.”
There is good news for Ranieri, as Cristiano Zanetti’s two-match ban was reduced to one on appeal. Many have said this was ‘retribution’ for the refereeing errors that handed Reggina that 2-1 victory in the game where Zanetti was sent off.
“I was hoping for this reduction, because the team is accustomed to Zanetti as their midfield focus point. I don’t think it was compensation for the mistakes, as Zanetti was penalised for a simple foul at the final whistle.”
He also has more players back at his disposal after several weeks struggling to make ends meet, although Pavel Nedved and Giorgio Chiellini are suspended.
“Everyone has recovered and the emergency situation is over. Alessandro Del Piero, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Trezeguet are back, although I must talk to David to see how much petrol he has in the tank. Buffon is fine and at the same fitness levels as his teammates.”
Historically this has been a bitter and vicious grudge match between the rivals, but the presence of familiar faces – former Juventus player Cesare Prandelli and ex-Viola boss Ranieri – is calming the atmosphere.
“We will be facing a team that is the epitome of good sporting behaviour,” noted the Bianconeri tactician.
Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 2 Birindelli, 5 Zebina, 6 Zanetti, 7 Salihamidzic, 8 Camoranesi, 9 Iaquinta, 10 Del Piero, 12 Belardi, 17 Trezeguet, 20 Palladino, 21 Grygera, 22 Sissoko, 23 Nocerino, 25 Stendardo, 28 Molinaro, 30 Tiago, 33 Legrottaglie, 45 Essabr
