Juve Hold No Fears For Samuel
Wednesday 6th February 2002
Something has to give on Sunday when Roma, with the best defence in Serie A, and Juventus, with the best attack, clash, but the Rome club's inspirational defender Walter Samuel is calmness personified.
The man they call 'the Wall' said: I don't worry too much about their forwards. I look at our strikers and I hope they will play a great match.
"Of course, David Trezeguet is very strong and has scored many times, then there is Alex Del Piero to and so many other dangerous players in their line up.
"But, really, if I could pick up a player in their squad I would take Paolo Montero, because he is the leader of the Juve defence, and strength comes from that."
Roma have conceded only 14 goals this season, while Juve have scored 41 times, and this is undoubtedly a critical clash in the hunt for the title.
"It's a match we must win," said Samuel. "But there are still ten games to go, so much can happen."
The general feeling is that Roma coach Fabio Capello will line up with five midfielders and only two forwards, the same game plan which secured his side victory in Turin.
Samuel, however, would prefer a more attacking formation. "Obviously the defence feels more protected with an extra midfielder, but I also like it when we play with three up front."
Samuel, meanwhile, said he had fully recovered from the back problems he encountered at the beginning of the season.
