Juventus' Italian Cup Match Draws 561
Copyright � 1998 Nando.net
Copyright � 1998 Reuters
TURIN, Italy (Oct 28, 1998 - 12:26 EST) - Juventus' Italian Cup campaign has run into trouble after it drew 1-1 with Venezia at an empty Delle Alpi stadium here.
There was room for over 70,000 but only 561 people turned up for the third round first leg tie on Tuesday night, a record low turnout for the club.
The good news was the return from injury of both defender Ciro Ferrara after nine months and striker Nicola Amoruso, who headed Juventus into the lead from Daniel Fonseca's corner, after 11 months.
But the bad news in a competition where the away goals rule applies, was the dubious late penalty converted former Juventus defender Gianluca Luppi.
'What really counted this evening was to see Ferrara and Amoruso back on the pitch after such a long time,' said coach Marcello Lippi. 'And they did well.'
Ferrara, whose broken leg cost him a place at the World Cup, said: 'I'm delighted. Now I can really say that I am cured. Obviously I've got to work on my fitness but the legs were fine.'
The away tie will be in Venice on November 11, while the Italian Cup was continuing with another six games on Wednesday night.
