Trezeguet On Song As Juve Close On Leaders
Sunday 20th January 2002
Juventus coach Marcello Lippi picked out striker David Trezeguet out for praise after Juve had cut the gap at the top to just four points with a 3-0 win over Atalanta on Sunday.
"David is a real striker, a wonderful player," Lippi said. "Today I'm pleased with how all of my players performed."
Trezeguet scored in each half, his eleventh and twelfth Serie A goals of the season, either side of an Alessio Tacchinardi strike as Juve won for the fourth match in succession.
With Roma only able to draw at Udinese, Juve are now just four points behind new leaders Internazionale who beat Parma 2-0 at the San Siro.
It was Juve's third match against Atalanta in ten days following the Coppa Italia quarter-final between the two sides and Lippi was delighted to see his side make up for Wednesday's 2-1 defeat.
"It wasn't a simple match because we might have lost concentration playing three times against the same opponent in just one week," Lippi said.
"My players, on the contrary, were perfectly attentive and concentrated very well throughout the 90 minutes.
"Finally I have got all of my injured players back and I have a lot of options in midfield. Edgar Davids played last Wednesday and he had to play within three days and then again next Sunday.
"I'm happy to now have the chance to turn things round a bit. Only Igor Tudor still has to come back. He needs ten more days and will give me options in both midfield and defence."
As Juve close on Inter and Roma, Lippi is still distancing himself from talk of the title.
"We have a long way in front of us, yet," he said. "And it is not only Inter and Roma I am worried about.
"Chievo and Milan will surely play their cards until the very end of the season and even Lazio can't be ruled out of the fight. The challenge will involve many teams right up to the end."
