We'll Miss Montero, Says Zidane
Thursday 7th December 2000
Zinedine Zidane admits Juventus will badly miss defender Paolo Montero when
his three-match suspension kicks in this month.
The Turin club face a busy month as they look to make up for their Champions
' League exit by getting themselves back into the race for the Scudetto.
But they will have to play Parma, Lecce and current league leaders Roma
without Montero. The Uruguayan international was banned for three matches
after the Italian FA consulted video footage that showed him punching
Internazionale's Luigi Di Biagio. The incident had been missed by the
referee originally.
And Zidane believes the centre-back's absence will be a big blow to the side
's championship hopes. "The big problem for us at the moment is Montero's
suspension.
"Anyone could be replaced in a big team but Montero is Montero - to replace
him will be very difficult."
Looking ahead to the Parma game on Sunday, Zidane said: "Last year Parma
were our most difficult opponents. We lost two points at their home and then
there was that difficult match with Cannavaro's disallowed goal.
"We have to learn how to close the game when we are in front. We lost two
points in Milan against Inter but Juventus are improving."
