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Marcello Lippi: Postponements will not slow Juve's title charge
The Bianconeri have had two games called off in recent weeks because of the heavy snowfall in Italy but their former coach does not believe they will be affected by the disruption
13 Feb 2012 20:05:00
By Mark Doyle
Juventus' title challenge will not be adversely affected by the postponement of their recent clashes with Parma and Bologna, according to Marcello Lippi.
Antonio Conte's side have been displaced at the summit of Serie A by AC Milan because of their relative inactivity during the cold snap which has affected Europe.
Their trips to Parma and Bologna will mean two midweek outings for Juve, who have had the benefit of at least seven days to prepare for nearly every league game this season because of their absence from European competition.
However, Lippi feels that Conte's troops will be able to cope with their ever so slightly congested fixture list.
"I do not think that it will affect their path [towards the title]," the former Italy boss told La Stampa.
"If the team had to deal with these changes earlier in the season, maybe it could have disturbed them.
"But now the team have grown tremendously and they are aware of their own strength."
Lippi, who enjoyed two separate stints in charge of the Bianconeri, does not believe that Juve will lose any momentum as a result of the cancellations.
"If Juve had been inactive for three weeks in a row, they would suffer," he reasoned. "But missing one Sunday does not change anything.
"Especially since they were notified of the postponement of the Bologna game ahead of their journey. Unlike the other time with Parma, Juventus stayed at home and were able to train."
Juventus currently sit two points behind leaders Milan and play the first of their two games in hand on the Rossoneri against Parma at the Ennio Tardini on Wednesday night.
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Antonio Conte's side have been displaced at the summit of Serie A by AC Milan because of their relative inactivity during the cold snap which has affected Europe.
Their trips to Parma and Bologna will mean two midweek outings for Juve, who have had the benefit of at least seven days to prepare for nearly every league game this season because of their absence from European competition.
However, Lippi feels that Conte's troops will be able to cope with their ever so slightly congested fixture list.
"I do not think that it will affect their path [towards the title]," the former Italy boss told La Stampa.
"If the team had to deal with these changes earlier in the season, maybe it could have disturbed them.
"But now the team have grown tremendously and they are aware of their own strength."
Lippi, who enjoyed two separate stints in charge of the Bianconeri, does not believe that Juve will lose any momentum as a result of the cancellations.
"If Juve had been inactive for three weeks in a row, they would suffer," he reasoned. "But missing one Sunday does not change anything.
"Especially since they were notified of the postponement of the Bologna game ahead of their journey. Unlike the other time with Parma, Juventus stayed at home and were able to train."
Juventus currently sit two points behind leaders Milan and play the first of their two games in hand on the Rossoneri against Parma at the Ennio Tardini on Wednesday night.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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