Juventus Sends Mixed Message in Euro Cup Semifinal
Copyright � 1999 Nando Media
Copyright � 1999 Agence France-Presse
TURIN, Italy (April 5, 1999 5:01 p.m. EDT http://www.sportserver.com) - Juventus were sending a mixed message before their European Cup semifinal against Manchester United, with doom and gloom mixed with supreme confidence.
Didier Deschamps, who led France to the World Cup title last year, gave Juventus no chance at Old Trafford if they play even average football, but Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi said his team deserved to win the trophy.
Juventus have struggled ever since Alessandro Del Piero's long-term injury last November, prompting coach Marcello Lippi to quit after a dismal run of results.
Things have improved under Carlo Ancelotti, but their first setback since he took over in February, a humbling 1-0 defeat to bottom club Empoli on Saturday, could not have come at a worse time.
Deschamps, who has won the cup with Olympique Marseille in 1993 and Juventus in 1996, said: "If we play like we did against Empoli, then we haven't got a chance. There'd be no point even leaving.
"Manchester are the favourites, they've shown that they have a stronger side and are on better form than we've been this season.
"An average Juventus side would not be able to stop them, let alone the one who played at Empoli. On the contrary, what we need now is a Juventus team that are at the peak of its ability.
"If United were to win by two clear goals, there'd be little chance for us in Turin," said the French captain.
"The days of great comebacks in the second leg are over now, especially against a Manchester side like this one, which is more experienced.
"Even a narrow defeat, which might be easier to accept, would give us few guarantees for the second leg. I think we need to aim for something more."
By contrast, Inzaghi has good reason to be upbeat.
The Juventus striker put Italy's first goal past United's Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel last week in a Euro 2000 qualifier - and Juve teammate Antonio Conte scored the second.
"We deserve this cup and we want to win it," said Inzaghi. "Especially after having lost the last two finals.
"Manchester are an extremely good side, but they do let you play. We saw them against Inter Milan: United let them have more than one scoring opportunity, even at Old Trafford."
And he went on: "They're my lucky team. I scored against them last season and that goal got us through to the quarterfinals," he said, referring to the Zebras' 1-0 victory in Turin.
"To beat Schmeichel again this time would be even more important. But at Old Trafford, we will need the best Juventus performance of the season."
The glimmer of hope for Deschamps is United's total-football approach.
"The two wingbacks move up a lot into attack, so it will be down to us to exploit the space," he commented.
"That said, the main thing will be to put on a great performance in defence and block their men on the flank. We have to stop Giggs and Beckham getting in the crosses for Cole and Yorke."
Ancelotti has three Italian internationals back to full fitness - Ciro Ferrara, Gianluca Pessotto and goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi - but has doubts over two of his other top players.
Optimism is growing for French playmaker Zinedine Zidane, the Golden Ball winner who hasn't played since twisting his right knee on March 17.
Zidane was able to train here on Monday, albeit with the knee protected by a thick bandage.
However, that's matched by pessimism for Uruguayan defender Paolo Montero, who is recovering from a thigh muscle injury. The likely central defense will comprise Ferrara and Mark Iuliano.
