Juventus coach Alberto Zaccheroni has insisted he is expecting a tough match against Fulham in the second leg of their Europa League tie at Craven Cottage tomorrow evening, stressing the importance of a real team performance from his players.
“We are aware of what Fulham are capable of and the problems they caused us in the first match. They keep their shape well and have a good coach [Roy Hodgson] who understands Italian football,” Zaccheroni told a press conference today.
Juventus go into the match 3-1 up from the first leg in Turin and Zaccheroni went on to say his team must be focused and stay united on the pitch.
“We must keep our concentration and play as a unit.
“I have no doubt that tomorrow will be a very tough football match both psychologically and physically because of Fulham’s pace and intensity. It is important to us, and to the supporters. I want to stress that we really care [about the Europa League].”
With both Gianluigi Buffon and Alex Manninger set to miss the clash through injury, the coach confirmed that Carlo Pinsoglio will start in goal, despite not seeing too much of the youngster.
“I have never seen him play a full match, but looking at his attributes I am convinced he has a great future ahead of him.”
Finally, Bianconeri captain Alessandro Del Piero insisted Juventus were taking the competition seriously.
“We have the desire to win and progress to the next round but we must take it one game at a time and that’s how it should be. Of course we want to go through,” he said.
