Juve and Lazio on Vieri Alert
Monday 15th January 2001
Inter technical director Gabriele Oriali has come out in support of
Christian Vieri - who was jeered by his own fans at the weekend - amid fears
that the striker is contemplating a move away from the San Siro. Lazio and
Juventus have already expressed an interest.
These are troubled times at Inter, who are 12th in Serie A and already out
of Europe. Now the fans have turned against the club's most expensive
signing.
Vieri, who has just returned after ten months out with a thigh injury, has
had to endure a chorus of boos in recent games and the painful situation
finally got the better of him on Sunday.
The former Lazio striker scored the goal that earned his side a point
against Parma in a 1-1 draw but was furious with the fans after the game.
"When I scored that goal I felt anger more than anything else. I was furious
with the fans and I will not be celebrating goals at the San Siro for some
time," he said.
His outburst immediately alerted Serie A rivals Juventus and Lazio, who,
according to Vieri's manager Sergio Berti, have already started talks about
signing the Italy international.
Vieri was publicly backed on Monday by Inter technical director Oriali, who
also criticised the supporters. "Vieri is a great player and his diligence
is a perfect example for other players to follow. He fights for 90 minutes
and should be supported," he said.
"He is the first one to arrive at training and the last one to leave. I
believe the whistles were because of the result and not for him. And it was
only a small part of the supporters anyway," he said.
Former team-mate Alessandro Del Piero is adamant that Vieri will silence his
critics.
"Christian's reaction was normal for someone with his character. I know how
much hard work it takes to come back to the highest level. But I'm sure he
will conquer the San Siro supporters," Del Piero said.
A night's sleep, however, had not calmed Vieri and the striker was still
angry on Monday. He said: "Yesterday I was very hurt. I didn't like the
whistling - that's why I didn't celebrate my goal and that is why I said
what I said last night.
"I could understand if the whistles had come in one month's time but not
now. I have been out for ten months and last week had a problem with my
tooth. I discussed it with Tardelli and we decided that it would be best for
the team if I played.
"I still believe we can qualify for the Champions' League. It will be
difficult but I think we can do it," he added.
The nomadic striker joined Inter from Lazio for a club record �32 million in
1999. Lazio tried to buy back Vieri last summer when it looked like their
deal with Parma to take Hernan Crespo to Rome was about to collapse - but
Inter refused to sell.
