Di Livio Puts Boot In As Juve Shares Plummet
Thursday 20th December 2001
Angelo di Livio has branded former club Juventus "spineless" after they were held to a draw by his Fiorentina side, a result that sent the Bianconeri's share-price into freefall on flotation day. "Juve no longer seem to have the passion or the hunger," he said.
Juve coach Marcello Lippi was irate after coming away from Florence with just a point, having dominated the game.
And Di Livio was equally shocked. "I remember we were a strong group when I played there and everyone tried to help his team-mates," he said. "Now it seems so different."
The 1-1 stalemate kept Juve six points adrift of leaders Internazionale and more bad news followed as the markets reacted badly to the result on Thursday.
As if trying to find a winning formula wasn't enough for Lippi, he can now judge in real terms the cost of his failure as Juve's share price plunged 7.3 per cent on the day.
"Obviously we know the situation," Lippi said. "We know that people thinking of buying our shares will hope for immediate results."
Juventus vice-president Antonio Giraudo urged investors to look to the long term. "We chose to float because we have to find new financial resources. We need much more money to implement our substantial projects," he said.
"We want to build Mondo Juve, our new home which will have a training pitch, park, a shopping mall and a cinema.
"We chose this month because we want to begin work on our projects in 2002. Everyone knows that Juventus are a rich club and with such a great project we can create a real business."
Di Livio knows all about team spirit as Fiorentina battle relegation on the field, while owner Vittorio Cecchi Gori searches for a backer off it.
Another tumultuous week at the Artemio Franchi saw Cecchi Gori turn down a �94 million offer for a club still struggling to pay the players' wages.
Fans' protests have added to the pressure on the squad, who still responded with victory over Brescia on Sunday, followed by a valuable draw with Juve.
Lippi signed Di Livio for Juventus in 1993 and he was an important cog in the side which won three Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, two Italian Super Cups and the Champions' League.
The Scudetto and Champions' League now seem like a distant dream for Lippi, but he believes there is still time to mount an assault on the title.
"We are sad, but not frustrated," he said. "We are still confident in our power and strength. Obviously we know we have made a lot of mistakes since the start of the season. Now we need to remain focused and think about the job we have to do.
"We don't need to be whipped, even if [owner] Gianni Agnelli thinks it is time to use a firm hand. I think we have enough matches to catch up with our opponents."
