Lippi Hails Juve Show Of Strength
Saturday 16th February 2002
Juventus coach Marcello Lippi was full of praise for his side's battling qualities in overcoming a stubborn Fiorentina side to go top of the Serie A table after a 2-1 win in Turin.
"We won thanks to our determination," said Lippi, who also recorded his first win over Viola coach Ottavio Bianchi. "It's an important result for us. We suffered against an excellent Fiorentina side, but I knew that before the game as they have caused all the top sides problems."
Despite struggling at the wrong end of the table where they lie second bottom, Fiorentina showed a willingness to take the game to the home side and Lippi singled out goalscorer Adriano as a constant threat. "We started off very well then Adriano emerged to lead the way," he said.
Fiorentina president Ugo Poggi felt that defender Andrea Tarozzi's sending-off on 70 minutes for elbowing Juve midfielder Pavel Nedved was the turning-point in the game.
"We could have drawn the game but the red card killed us off," lamented Poggi. "I'm more sadden than disappointed because the team played really well.
"Last week at Venezia [a 2-0 defeat] I was furious, but today we faced the best side in the league and we deserved a draw - the next game could decide our future."
