The title is Inter´s to lose, says Ranieri

February 21, 2009

ROME (AFP) – Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri admitted on Friday that the Serie A title was now Inter’s to lose rather than theirs to win.

Juve dropped to nine points behind the reigning champions last weekend after a 1-1 home draw against Sampdoria while Inter beat AC Milan 2-1 in their city derby.

And it has left Ranieri admitting that his team could well be forced to focus on the Champions League – they face Chelsea in the second round in London next week.

"Only Inter can lose it (the title), we have to keep the faith and play a great match against Palermo," he said.

"It will be an important gauge for us ahead of the Champions League. The team is in good shape and we need a good boost ahead of the next seven days, and that means a victory.

"We’re at a key stage of the season and the fact that the treatment room is empty is a good sign."

That means that important players such as former France striker David Trezeguet and Italy internationals Mauro Camoranesi and Giorgio Chiellini are all back in first team contention.

All three will play on Saturday with Trezeguet making his first start of the season.

"Trezeguet will play from the first minute against Palermo in attack with Camoranesi in midfield and Chiellini in defence," said Ranieri.

"I just hope we’re not thinking about Chelsea."

With the title seemingly out of their grasp, the Champions League may provide their best hope of silverware this season.

Ranieri is hoping that his team can go all the way in Europe but admits that the knock-out format is not the true test of a team’s capabilities.

"The league is where the true strength of a team is exposed. The Champions League is a different kettle of fish, it’s not always the best team that wins it," he said.

"In front of us are four or five European battleship destroyers but upsets can happen and we have faith.

"Valencia twice reached the final despite being a little known team. (Italy coach Marcello) Lippi may think it will be a Barcelona-Manchester United final and maybe he has a point but I don’t want to agree with him, I’ll do everything to guide Juventus to the final."

Written by: AFP

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