Juve Stand By Embattled Lippi
Thursday 28th March 2002
Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega has insisted that coach Marcello Lippi will remain at the club for the foreseeable future, despite this campaign's Champions' League failure and dwindling Scudetto prospects. "Lippi will be here for another season and more after that," he said.
The veteran boss was warned by managing director Luciano Moggi that his future at the club would depend on success in the Scudetto and Coppa Italia, after he failed to guide the side into the last eight of the Champions' League.
But with the Turin club now trailing leaders Internazionale by four points following last week's defeat to struggling Parma, Juve look likely to have to settle for the Coppa Italia.
Bettega stressed, however, that the decision to bring Lippi back to the club at the end of last season was not based on short-term success. "Juve have begun a plan that we intend to continue in the years to come," he said.
Lippi, meanwhile, has been boosted by the return to action of striker Alessandro del Piero, who has not featured since the 2-2 draw with Inter three weeks ago.
Del Piero completed training on Thursday and is expected to partner in-form France striker David Trezeguet up front against Lazio on Saturday evening.
"I'm fine now and the ankle has been successfully tested," he said. "I have been training with the squad for a week and am ready to return."
Del Piero then warned against ruling Juve out of the title equation. "It is still possible for us to win it and I believe in us," he said. "We must try to win all six games that we have left.
"Inter are strong and deserve their advantage, but in some situations they have also been very fortunate.
"Against us, Clarence Seedorf scored with two extraordinary shots at the beginning and end of the game which prevented us returning home with the three points we undoubtedly deserved."
Del Piero also denied speculation linking him with Barcelona. "I have not authorised anybody to speak about a transfer and nobody has spoken to me about it. This talk is not true," he said.
