What is the priority?

[kenzo©®]

In the past Italian teams have performed well in Europe but of late they seem to have valued the league over european silverware.

Could this season see the tide change? Do you think the big boys of Serie A want the Euro success now more than in recent seasons?

Surely they NEED the financial benefits more than ever.

[Zizou]

For teams like Juve and Milan, the euro cups are more important cos they won the Scudetto loads of times. For teams like Inter (who haven`t won the Scudetto in 13 years) and Roma (who have only won it 2 or 3 times), the Scudetto would be very nice for them.

The problem with italian clubs in recent years in the european trophies was that they had won so much in europe, that they thought they were invincible, but in the meantime the other clubs have grown in quality while italian clubs stayed the same level. I still remember between 94-98, when Juve would just simply trash anyone who came on their way (example defeating Ranger 4-0 in Glasgow, or Ajax 4-1 etc...). I think this year will be back to old winning ways in the CL.

[Paisley]

I think this year will be back to old winning ways in the CL.


Confident hey?! I like it! Juve have ever reason to be as they seem like a team who are difficult to beat yet have a lot of goals in them, especially with Del Piero on fire!

[kenzo©®]

We are also forgeting that Juve havent at any stage this season had a fully fit complement of fowards.

They have 4 great fowards there. Selection problems when they are all fit, will be hard to keep them happy.

[Paisley]

Good point Kenzo. What happens when Trezeguet is fit (assuming that he still injured)? Seems that Di Vaio can't be dropped because he's been doing the business. Although Trezeguet is probably a better player/goalscorer.................What do you reckon Zizou?

[kenzo©®]

I really rate Di Vaio, would say his all round game is better than Trezeguet although like you say, Trezeguet is a better goalscorer. Or is he? Di Vaio got a shedload alst season.

Not an easy decision.

Thankfully for the other teams Salas was (is he still over last few games?) looking like a bit of a spent force. I havent seen him recently.

[Zizou]

Hehe yes I feel confident of the team's potential this year unlike previous years Paisley, cos for every player we have a reserve. Last year we didn`t have reserves for all players, therefore some players had to work overtimeand play nearly all games.

Lippi`s a good coach, and the only reason Juve are performing better than Inter and Milan at the moment is cos he used the turnover wisely. Inter have been mostly playing 8/11 of the same team week in, week out. Same for Milan. Juve on the other have changed 7/11 of the team for each different game when they have one midweek game. Example last week when they had 3 league games in a week. On Sunday he played with Salas-Di Vaio-Nedved, on Wednesday Del Piero-Zalayeta-Camoranesi and on Sunday Di Vaio-Del Piero-Nedved. Those are just the guys upfront. In defence and midfield there has been lots of shuffling as well. The good thing about all this turnover is that all players perform at their best (or so have up till now). All attackers scored goals in league and CL which is a very good sign.

About Trezeguet, we don`t know when he`ll be back yet, and even if he is soon, he`d still wouldn`t be in good condition. He`s definitely a better goalscorer cos of the fact that he`s the attacker that would be waiting for crosses inside the area to score. Di Vaio starts from the three quarters of the pitch, cos he`s very fast and agile and you need to use his characteristics. All Juve attackers have different abilities which make the attack the most complete I have seen at Juve in recent years.

Once Trezeguet is back, all players would still be given lots of playing time cos of turnover, but probably if the french dude is back by Christmas, Zalayeta might be loaned out so to be given more experience (he`s just 22).

Juve have more than just Trezeguet to return from injury, most notably Pessotto, Tudor, Conte Zambrotta and Montero.

Kenzo yes Di Vaio was 3rd top scorer last season (over 20 goals and no penalty) and has been consistent in these past 3 years. Works for the team and helps the team score. Salas has scored 2 goals in the last 2 games he started and has regained confidence (don`t forget he just got back from a 10 month injury).