Maldini demands more from Milan
Friday, February 4, 2005
Article summary
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has called on the Italian champions to increase the pressure on Juventus FC when they take on S.S. Lazio tomorrow.
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Reassert control
First, though, Juventus visit in-form US Città di Palermo on Saturday looking to reassert control. The Bianconeri seemed to have one hand on the Scudetto before their midweek home defeat by UC Sampdoria, particularly after Milan had lost two consecutive games before winning 4-1 at FC Messina Peloro.
'Winning mentality'
"We knew the title race was not over," Milan captain Paolo Maldini said. "Against Messina we proved our winning mentality and our good physical condition. Now we have to repeat that brilliant performance against Lazio."
Key absentees
The Rossoneri will still be without Andriy Shevchenko at home to Lazio, while Juventus are missing Pavel Nedved for the trip to Palermo. The two Golden Ball winners are recovering from muscle injuries but are close to resuming full training. Juventus, however, will have Jonathan Zebina and Ruben Olivera back from suspension.
Zebina returns
"I think we were just unlucky against Sampdoria," Juventus coach Fabio Capello said. "We're still in a good position despite the defeat. A five-point lead is a good advantage but we have to start winning again on Saturday."
Adriano doubtful
Third-placed FC Internazionale Milano will hope to continue their unbeaten league season away to Parma FC. Brazilian striker Adriano could return from a calf problem to face his old club. Udinese Calcio, who are just one point behind the Nerazzurri, visit Brescia Calcio.
Roma test
Sampdoria and AS Roma are also chasing UEFA Champions League places. The Blucerchiati entertain ACF Fiorentina, who have lost both their matches since appointing Dino Zoff as coach, while Roma host a Bologna FC side that has taken 17 points from the last seven games, making them Serie A's form team.
Donadoni homecoming
Reggina Calcio and Cagliari Calcio want to extend their good runs too, at home to AC Siena and US Lecce respectively, while AC Chievo Verona welcome Messina. Also on Sunday, AS Livorno Calcio coach Roberto Donadoni and captain Cristiano Lucarelli return to Bergamo to take on Atalanta BC, the club where they began their Serie A careers.