Lippi wants last laugh
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Article summary
Marcello Lippi can win a final trophy as Juventus FC coach in the Coppa Italia final against S.S. Lazio.
Article body
Lazio lead
Lippi, 56, is in his final week as Juventus coach before retiring at the end of the season and he believes his players will "give everything they have" to ensure he goes out on a high. Two goals from Italian international Stefano Fiore gave Lazio a 2-0 victory in the first leg on 17 March and it will take a great effort if Juventus are to claim the trophy for the tenth time in their history.
'A lot to give'
However, Lippi - who has won a total of 12 trophies in his two spells at the Stadio Delle Alpi - said: "We still have a lot to give, both physically and mentally. I know my players will give everything they have. I'm certain we will play a great match. We have to win 2-0 and after the final whistle, we will start another match."
Tudor suspended
Juventus are without the suspended Igor Tudor, as well as Alessio Tacchinardi, Antonio Conte, Paolo Montero and Mauro Camoranesi who are all injured. Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet will play up front with Pavel Nedved just behind them and Enzo Maresca and Stephen Appiah in midfield.
Fiore threat
For Lazio coach Roberto Mancini, there are fewer worries. He could decide to field Bernardo Corradi alone in attack with Fiore supporting him. The latter is the leading scorer in the competition having scored twice in the first leg to add to his three goals in the semi-final against AC Milan.
Mancini's record
Lazio have lifted the Coppa Italia three times and in Mancini have the most successful individual in the competition's history. The 40-year-old has won the trophy seven times - four times with UC Sampdoria and twice with Lazio as a player, and once with AC Fiorentina as a coach.
'It won't be easy'
"We want to win, we don't just want to defend our two-goal advantage," Mancini said. "It will depend on us, we have to avoid any kind of mistake. It won't be easy because Juve really want this trophy and they will try everything to win it." With both clubs approaching the end of largely disappointing seasons, victory tonight would provide at least some consolation ahead of the summer break.
