I’m glad and honoured to talked with great
international writers about Juventus-Trabzonspor tie for Sabah Daily of Turkey.
Thanks to Gabriele Marcotti, Michael Cox, Riccardo Trevisani and Adam Digby.
Here’s their thoughts about the game.
1- What is Juve's approach to Europa League and the Trabzon tie? Most
Italian clubs looks like they don't care about it (Empty stadiums etc) and Juve
is a Champions League club.
Gabriele Marcotti: Juventus are actually
taking this seriously. There is the fact that the final is at the
Juventus Stadium. But most of all I think it's important for the club to have
an international dimension (for commercial reasons as well). And Serie A
is all but tied up.
Michael Cox: I'm convinced they'll take it
seriously. Most Italian clubs don't, but Juve have essentially got the league
wrapped up - and more importantly, the final is at their own stadium. That's
too good an opportunity to refuse, surely. They also have a big squad, unlike
most Italian sides.
Riccardo Trevisani: Juventus is serious.
They want to win and they didn't want to lose again in Turkey. They have the
final at the Juventus Stadium. They can not wrong.
Adam Digby: Juventus have found extra
determination in the past ten days as the shock of losing a two goal lead
to Hellas Verona really left an impression.
Coach Antonio Conte cancelled a scheduled
day off for his squad following that result & cancelled many media
engagements his players had previously agreed.
As they proved against Chievo this past
weekend, that refocusing paid dividends as Juve routed their opponents 3-1.
That, coupled with a desire to reach a final held at their own ground means
there will be no let up in intensity.
2- How did the club see Trabzon tie? Are they cautious because of
Galatasaray tie?
Gabriele Marcotti: Some might be, but I
would hope fans realize that just as, say, Juventus and Roma are different so
too are two Turkish clubs.
Riccardo Trevisani: The Istanbul night is
unforgettable. But Trabzonspor is not Galatasaray. And the snow is past J Respect but not afraid.
Adam Digby: Yes, two poor results against
Gala have added to the sense of urgency surrounding this latest draw. Conte
made adjustments this past weekend which allowed him to rest Paul Pogba &
Carlos Tevez.
Those two should all return - with Pablo Osvaldo
likely to be the other striker - in what is expected to be a full strength XI.
3- How will Conte approach this game, what do you think?
Roberto Trevisani: I think that Juventus
will try to win in Turin with 2 difference goal. Because the schedule of
Italian Serie A is difficult in this weeks. So no turn over. I think Osvaldo will
play with Tevez.
Gabriele Marcotti: I think he will take it
seriously and put out something very close to the best lineup. As I said, they
have a big lead in Serie A, they don't really have the excuse of resting
players in the Europa League.
Michael Cox: This will be interesting.
Usually in Italy they play a 3-5-2 but in the European Cup they often played
more of a 4-3-3, such as against Real Madrid. I think Conte will be confident
enough that Juve will dominate, and he'll go with the 3-5-2. Their major
approaches are Pirlo's diagonals to the wide players, Vidal running in behind
the defence when the strikers open up space, and the strikers both coming short
and trying to play one-twos around the defence.
Adam Digby: Obviously the desire to
maintain focus & the full strength lineup indicate Conte will be looking
for a positive result in the first leg. He is likely to continue with the 3-5-2
which has served the club so well over the past two & a half years.
4- Trabzonspor didn’t lose against Lazio in group stage. How do Italians
see Trabzonspor?
Gabriele Marcotti: I think Trabzonspor are
a bit like Lazio, a club that is having more problems this season than last.
The second game, in Rome, probably wasn't very significant because both teams
had qualified.
Riccardo Trevisani: In Italy, we see well Trabzonspor.
With lazio was a great match in Trabzon and again will be, i think.
Adam Digby: While Conte will be paying
Trabzonspor the compliment of fielding his best side, there is no doubt
the Turkish club are seen as inferior opposition my many in Italy.
The Juventus coach will take every measure
to ensure his players do not underestimate them & are respectful of the
dangers posed, but he will also demand victory. Anything less would be seen as
a major disappointment.
5- What is your opinion about the tie, how do you rate Trabzon’s chances?
Gabriele Marcotti: I think Juventus are
favored, but there is plenty of experience and big foreign names in this
Trabzonspor side so they can't take anything for granted. I'm interested
personally in seeing Marc Janko. I know he's had a difficult time and lots of
injuries, but he's a big physical player and I wonder how Juventus will match
up. Plus, of course, guys like Malouda and Zokora bring lots of experience.
Michael Cox: To be honest I haven't seen
Trabzonspor this season, but I would back Juve heavily. I think they'll want to
win the trophy in their home stadium and Conte will be keen not to be seen as a
flop in Europe.
Riccardo Trevisani: I think that Juventus
is favourite. 65-35 %. But football is not scientific, like Istanbul december
night, confirms...
Adam Digby: Personally I believe that the
intensity brought about by the events of the last few days could see Juventus
record a commanding home win.
Conte's anger - first at his players
during the Hellas game, then the fans for booing Sebastian Giovinco caused him
to lash out at Fabio Capello on Sunday.
Previously, whether it was the
match-fixing allegations against their coach or negative results like the loss
to Fiorentina, adversity has always brought the best from this squad. That,
added to a difficult season for Trabzonspor that sees them travel to Turin
without a coach, should all weigh heavily in favour of the home side.
