Chimenti refuses to be overawed

From Kevin Ashby in Manchester

'Exceptional circumstances'
The Juventus FC coach Marcello Lippi yesterday spoke of the "exceptional circumstances" surrounding his team's preparations for the eagerly anticipated meeting of two of the world's most revered clubs at Old Trafford. A flu bug has swept through his squad like an angry mite, rendering a quintet of players - including goalkeeper Buffon and striker Marco Di Vaio - incapable of travelling to England.

Not overawed
Dismissing thoughts of despondency, Lippi challenged his players to produce an "exceptional performance", from lone striker David Trezeguet all the way back to Chimenti. Although the Frenchman has proved himself capable of doing so on the grandest stages - remember his winning goal in the final of EURO 2000™? - Chimenti is a relative novice in the arenas outside of domestic Italian football. None the less, the shaven-headed custodian refuses to be overawed. "I think it is fantastic to be able to play in the match," he said.

'Biggest match'
The 32-year-old continued: "I am sorry for Gigi [Buffon] but those who are here have to make the best of it." Chimenti was not one of the other "three or four players" Lippi revealed were experiencing the symptoms of flu, and the keeper said he would admit it if he were, even though it would deny him an appearance in what he called his "biggest match". He said: "If I was not 100 per cent fit then it would be damaging for the whole team."

Early years
Chimenti spent his early years as a professional in Italy's lower leagues, turning out for Sambenedettese Calcio, US Tempio, Monza Calcio and Salernitana Sport before AS Roma came calling. Born in Bari, he made his Serie A debut in the 1997/98 season before establishing himself as a keeper of genuine top-flight class the following term, when he made 24 league appearances in addition to turning out in the UEFA Cup where a defeat of Leeds United AFC gave him a first experience of English opposition.

Successful seasons
It was a happy one for Chimenti, as he negotiated both legs of the second-round tie without conceding a goal. Chimenti left the capital in 1999 for US Lecce, enjoying three successful seasons with the southern club prior to his return to the big time with Juventus.

'Maximum commitment'
He was well aware that he would be Buffon's understudy - a €52.29m player expects first-team football - but Chimenti adopts a philosophical view of the situation. "If I hadn't signed then I wouldn't have had the opportunity to play in this very important game against one of the world's great teams," he said. "I knew my role at the beginning and I always have to be ready. I always work at the maximum with maximum commitment."

Testing night
Chimenti performed with aplomb against Dynamo, helping Juventus to a 2-1 away victory in front of 76,000 spectators. The atmosphere at Old Trafford, where 67,000 fans will be on top of the action, also promises to be white hot, though the keeper will not be phased, concerning himself solely with the on-field action. "When you face English teams you always have to be alert as they put in a lot of crosses and high balls," concluded Chimenti, who could be in for a testing night if David Beckham and Ryan Giggs find their range.