CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE: Juventus Escapes With Draw With Rosenborg
Copyright � 1998 Nando.net
Copyright � 1998 Reuters
TRONDHEIM, Norway (Sep 30, 1998 - 21:44 EDT) - Juventus, last year's losing runners-up, were lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw against Rosenborg Trondheim, which missed a late penalty in the European Champions' League on Wednesday.
The Norwegians also hit the post late in the game against a fast-fading Italian side who are struggling for form this season and drew 2-2 in their first group B match with Galatasaray.
Galatasary, who beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1, head the group with four points, leaving Rosenborg and Juventus on two points.
The Italians went 1-0 up when Filippo Inzaghi, the top league scorer from 1996-97, deflected a long, low shot by Dutchman Edgar Davids in the 27th minute.
Rosenborg drew level with a penalty by Bent Skammelsrud in 69th minute after striker Roar Strand was brought down by defender Alessandro Birindelli as he tried to reach a cross.
"It started well but we became indecisive," Juventus coach Marcello Lippi said. "We scored a lucky goal and we created few chances...Rosenborg's better physical form meant they took over in the second half."
"I'm pleased by the team's work in the first hour but things went awry in the last 30 minutes," he said. "The result was a correct reflection of the game."
Juventus escaped humiliation when goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla saved a second penalty by Skammelsrud in the 80th minute after Rosenborg captain Jahn Ivar Jakobsen was brought down in the area. Runar Berg then hit the post.
"We created a lot of chances in the second half and I think we deserved to win," Norwegian coach Trond Solleid said. "But we had said before the game that we'd be happy with one point."
"Juventus is a very good team and you see it from their players that they hate to lose."
Juventus' midfielder Zinedine Zidane, back after injury, had flashes of inspiration but was taken off late in the second half for Marcelo Danidio Zalayeta.
Zidane played a delicate pass to Alessandro Del Piero early in the second half, putting him clear in thje penalty area through a wall of Rosenborg players. Del Piero dribbled past Jamtfall but his shot missed the goal from a tight angle.
Juventus lost the European Cup final to Real Madrid in May.
