Nedved Delighted To Finally Make His Mark
Saturday 1st December 2001
Pavel Nedved finally had reason to celebrate for Juventus on Saturday after
scoring his first goal for the club in the 2-0 win over Perugia. "It's
strange because I don't usually score with my head," the Czech international
said.
"I think the fact that we are now playing 4-4-2 has helped me to play better
but it's up to my coach to choose the system. I'm happy because we won and
because it was the goal that put us on the road to victory."
Following Manuele Blasi's dismissal mid-way through the first half, Nedved
opened the scoring with a header off a cross from Alex Del Piero seven
minutes after the break before David Trezeguet made sure of the points with
Juve's second with 14 minutes to play.
Coach Marcello Lippi was delighted with the victory - coming on the heels of
the midweek thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions' League - that
saw his side close within three points of leaders Chievo.
"I have asked my players to be consistent and we were, winning just 48 hours
after playing Bayer Leverkusen. Now all my players are in good condition, as
they showed against Perugia. Now we have continue like this."
For Perugia coach Serse Cosmi the defeat was a massive disappointment. It
was Perugia's sixth game without a win and leaves them firmly planted in the
relegation zone.
"We had a man sent off but we weren't playing even before that decision. I
don't know what president Gaucci will be thinking now," he said.
Cosmi then hinted that he would be considering his future at the club if his
side do not bounce back at home to Venezia next week.
"I don't want to train a team that plays like this, unaggressive, not
looking to attack. This week we are going to have to look at this. I want to
see a reaction next week, or I will have to make a decision."
