Lippi Delighted With Juve's Battling Ten Men
ROME (Reuters) - Juventus coach Marcello Lippi praised his team after they held on for a goalless draw at Serie A leaders Roma despite playing the entire second half with ten men.
Juve had defender Mark Iuliano sent off for a second bookable offence four minutes before the break but reorganised at the interval and frustrated the reigning champions with an excellent defensive display.
"After that red card, I saw a great Juventus out there tonight," said Lippi.
"To play with ten men against that Roma side represents an injection of faith. We showed we are fresh and in condition and that is an important sign for the next three months," said the Juve coach.
But Lippi admitted his side had been second best prior to Iuliano's dismissal.
"In the first half Roma were more aggressive and more convincing in every area," said Lippi.
Roma coach Fabio Capello refused to be downhearted after a result that foiled his hopes of opening up space between his team and their challengers, who remain one point behind.
"We played well but Juventus played with great determination and played the game they had to after the break.
"Maybe we deserved a win more because we created three good chances. But Juve are difficult to play against," said Capello.
Roma wing-back Cafu admitted he was frustrated with the result.
"Maybe it was a missed opportunity but Juve were truly determined and we could have played until tomorrow morning without scoring," said the Brazilian.
