Juves' Moggi Stays Cool Ahead Of Lazio Clash
TURIN, Italy (March 13, 2001 1:14 p.m. EST http://www.sportserver.com) -
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi poured oil on the flames of an
already tense relationship with Lazio five days ahead of the Italian first
division match between the clubs by saying that the Turin side was hoping to
prise Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved from the defending champion.
Moggi, speaking to Corriere dello Sport, upped the ante by confirming that
Nedved was the principal transfer target for the Zebras.
"We have one person in mind. An offensive midfielder - an adaptable and
determined player who is capable of making a difference," said Moggi who
conducts transfer negotiations for the club.
Asked if Nedved was the man he was referring to he said: "Him, yes. It would
make me crazy with happiness. With him it would be a dream Juventus."
Moggi's revelation was the latest in a psychological war between the clubs
who dueled for the title last season with Lazio edging Juve on the last day
of that campaign after a series of controversies.
Lazio protested with some justification that Juventus had benefited from
some extremely dubious refereeing decisions.
But the Turin side has since made the most of the fact that Lazio's
Argentinian midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron played throughout the campaign
with bogus European Union status.
The sniping has continued and last week Lazio's president Sergio Cragnotti
accused the northern clubs - naming specifically Juventus and AC Milan - of
trying to undermine in the corridors of power the emergence of Roman clubs
Lazio and AS Roma as the predominant force in the Italian game.
Sunday's match is a must-win clash for Lazio, who are 11 points behind Roma,
while Juventus will also be keen to triumph to keep up their pursuit of
Fabio Capello's side who have a six-point lead.
