Ranieri Slams Juventus ‘Dummies’

The Bianconeri took the lead in the first half through Pavel Nedved, and missed two great chances to go 2-0 up, but had to settle for a point after Gilardino grabbed a last gasp equaliser just minutes after the Viola had been reduced to ten men following Felipe Melo’s sending off.

“Many times you accept a draw, in other occasions it leaves you upset,” said a downbeat Ranieri.

“We were in charge of the game and could have sealed it with Amauri and Alessandro Del Piero. An experienced side like Juve cannot allow Fiorentina these chances. We were dummies.

“Allowing your opponents into the box lets them flick on the ball and strike from close range, which is what Gilardino did.

“He’s very good at leaning on defenders, so he scored a trademark goal there.”

Ranieri has already started to receive criticism in the Italian media, as just seconds before Gilardino’s goal, the Tinkerman took off a midfielder, Mauro Camoranesi, and replaced him with a forward, Vincenzo Iaquinta.

“Camoranesi had asked to come off because he had a calf problem, so I threw on Iaquinta to ‘tell’ the squad that we had the strength to finish the job. Then Gilardino’s goal ruined the whole plan,” the coach tried to explain.

“I go to bed relaxed tonight because I know we have signed some new players who still have to settle in and learn how the team approaches games.

“We were missing the entire midfield spine, but didn’t notice, so I am satisfied with the work done.”

Gianni Wilson