Lippi Looks Back With Regret
Thursday 21st March 2002
Juventus coach Marcello Lippi was left to rue missed opportunities after his side's Champions' League campaign ended on Wednesday despite beating Arsenal 1-0.
"We lost our chance against Deportivo La Coruna at home," he said. "I just don't want to think about it."
Juventus could only draw 0-0 at home to Depor and were knocked out of the competition after falling 3-1 to Bayer Leverkusen last week.
With nothing left to play for, Lippi fielded a second-string side against Arsenal, but was still able to celebrate a victory that ensured the London side bowed out of the competition before the quarter-final stage.
"All the teams in our group showed they are great at home but not so good away from home," Lippi said.
"Tonight I was just happy for our young players who have had very few chances during the season."
Lippi picked out Fabian Carini in particular for praise after the keeper stopped Thierry Henry's second-half penalty.
"Keeper Fabian Carini was simply fantastic. He deserves to play in a team where he can be the number one. I also liked the way midfielders Tomas Guzman and Pericard played.
"Now we have to focus on Serie A."
On a sour note for Lippi, veteran defender Michele Paramatti picked up an injury to his left ankle while wing midfielder Gianluca Zambrotta has a bruised knee and will undergo a medical test on Thursday.
Lippi added that he felt that Arsenal's string of suspensions and injuries may have taken their toll on Arsene Wenger's side.
"When we met them in London, they were in better shape, now it seems their physical condition is declining," he said.
