Iuliano Refuses To Dwell On The Past
Wednesday 6th March 2002
Juventus defender Mark Iuliano has urged people to forget the controversy that marred proceedings the last time his side met with Internazionale in a Serie A title showdown ahead of Saturday's clash at the San Siro.
Inter travelled to Turin trailing Juve by just one point in 1998 but lost 1-0, all but handing the title to Marcello Lippi's men.
Alex Del Piero had given Juve the lead on 21 minutes before Inter were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty when Iuliano felled Ronaldo in the box.
Referee Piero Ceccarini came in for intense criticism following the game with many accusing him of handing Juve the title on a plate.
But Iuliano now feels it is time the matter was put to bed. I don't like to hear that story again, he said. I think the result of that season wouldn't have changed even if the referee would have awarded that penalty for Inter, so I don't think we must speak on the subject.
Ronaldo will not be in Inter's line up this time but Iuliano claimed he would rather the Brazil international were involved.
It is a pity he won't be playing,he said. It would be nice to have him on the pitch and I would be happier if we defeated Inter with Ronaldo in the line up.
Anyway, they are strong and dangerous even without him and my friend Christian Vieri looks enough to worry our defence. He is a real champion, always dangerous and with him it will be a great challenge."
Juve have their own injury and suspension problems ahead of the clash with Paolo Montero, Ciro Ferrara and Cristian Zenoni all unavailable.
Don't worry about that, added Iuliano. We have a great squad with so many players who can replace them. We must respect but not fear Inter. They are a great, well-balanced team.
We must not make mistakes, but during the last few matches we have done our best and we must carry on that way.
