Lippi Confident Of Laying Bianchi Jinx
Friday 15th February 2002
Juventus coach Marcello Lippi is a strong favourite to record his first-ever win over Fiorentina counterpart Ottavio Bianchi when the sides meet on Saturday afternoon in Turin.
Lippi last came up against his former general manager at Napoli in 1995 during his first spell at Juventus in a goalless draw with Internazionale, but in their six meetings Bianchi has come out victorious on four occasions.
That run is almost certain to end as Juventus look to claim top spot in Serie A at the expense of Roma, who they drew with last weekend.
A run of six consecutive wins before the stalemate at the Stadio Olimpico mean Juve are the form side in the second part of the campaign.
"The team are in great shape and I expect a lot out of this game," said Lippi. "Of course we have to be careful against Fiorentina, but we have to keep our good run going."
Fiorentina, by contrast, have slipped further into the relegation zone and, after a 2-0 defeat at bottom-side Venezia last week, are six points from safety.
The Viola's record in Turin is just as dismal as their finances. They have failed to win there since 1988, but Bianchi put on a brave face ahead of what is a daunting trip for his demoralised outfit.
"The players do not need motivation for this game because we're playing the best side in Serie A," he said.
"We are not going to hand them any presents and I'll be looking to get something from this game, as I have never liked losing and don't intend to start now."
Striker Nuno Gomes and midfielder Marco Rossi lost their case to have their contracts annulled this week, but Bianchi has refused to call the pair up, limiting his attacking options to on-loan frontman Adriano and playmaker Domenico Morfeo.
Lippi's only change comes with Gianluca Pessotto replacing the suspended Mark Iuliano in defence, enabling Antonio Conte to regain a midfield berth.
Juventus: Buffon, Thuram, Montero, Ferrara, Pessotto, Conte, Tacchinardi, Davids, Nedved, Del Piero, Trezeguet
Fiorentina: Manninger, Torricelli, Ceccarelli, Pierini, Moretti, Di Livio, Amoroso, Cois; Morfeo, Robbiati, Adriano
