Claudio Ranieri can at last say his Juventus are back thanks to Alessandro Del Piero’s leadership.
“The lads are in good shape and want to fight, to find themselves again,” he said after the 2-0 victory away to Chievo.
“Within the group there is a champion who emerges and that is Del Piero. Alex is the captain and the leader of this squad.”
Del Piero celebrated his 34th birthday today with another splendid free kick just days after conquering Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“He took the team on his shoulders in a moment of great difficulty and is now being rewarded for that sacrifice with some great goals.
“I am happy because we replicated the win at the Bernabeu, which had risked going to our heads.”
The injury crisis continues, but Juve have also rediscovered Tiago Mendes in a more effective midfield role.
“Now he has settled into the 4-4-2 system, which he was not accustomed to, having always played in a three-man midfield,” explained Ranieri.
It can be said the Bianconeri are back in the thick of the Scudetto race, but their Coach sees another favourite.
“It is a long season and it will be decided in the spring. Inter are the favourites for the huge squad at their disposal, while Milan have the upper hand because they are not playing in the Champions League.”
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