Preview: Kovacevic Eyeing Starting Place
Friday 9th February 2001
Juventus striker Darko Kovacevic is expected to be handed a rare start on
Sunday when Napoli visit the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Juve coach Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be considering a three-pronged
strike force to take on the relegation strugglers, because of selection
problems in midfield.
Edgar Davids is suspended while Antonio Conte, Fabian O'Neill and Alessio
Tacchinardi are all struggling with injuries.
But Kovacevic, who has been a squad player since arriving in Turin from Real
Sociedad, is prepared to be patient. "I don't mind not playing every week
because that's how it is at a big club," he said. "Ancelotti is a great
manager and a great man, we speak a lot and we have a good relationship.
"I know that one week ago he said that he felt sorry for me, but he knows if
I work hard every day I've always got a chance of playing. I understand him
and he understands me."
He added: "Where can I be happier than at Juventus? Here every season you
can try to win anything. In San Sebastian I was in the line-up every match,
but there you can't win what you can win here.
"The top teams are all the same - there are many great players and you have
to respect the rules.
"If all the players on the bench were furious at not playing how can these
teams work at their best? You need to be as professional as possible because
there are many other players in my situation."
At the back Juventus have another major absentee in the shape of Paolo
Montero. "He doesn't feel well," said Ancelotti.
The Juve boss is not taking anything for granted against a side his team
narrowly beat 2-1 on the opening day of the season.
"Napoli were one of few teams that controlled the game against us, and now
they have Edmundo. When he plays badly, Napoli play just like with ten men,
but when he has a good day, he is a fantastic player," he said.
Juventus: (probable) Van der Sar, Paramatti, Ferrara, Montero, Pessotto,
Zambrotta, Brighi, Zidane, Kovacevic, Del Piero, Inzaghi
Napoli: (probable) Fontana, Baldini, Quiroga, Troise; Saber, Pecchia,
Matuzalem, Magoni, Baccin, Edmundo, Amoruso
