Giovanni Martusciello filled for Maurizio Sarri in the pre-game presser: “He si recovering nicely, he has been present at the facility despite not partaking directly to the training sessions. He is fine, he has to pass some tests this afternoon that will determine whether he can be on the bench tomorrow.”
On the Champions League group: “It is clearly demanding, but so is for the others. We just need to work on those things that are not going well so we can tackle it in the best possible way. We are Juventus, so nothing can be too difficult for us.”
On the Napoli clash: “We will face the team that got the closest to us in recent years and is very well coached. It is an important endeavor. We have practiced well, we are curious to see how the squad will respond in the first game in front of our crowd. We are very motivated and want to perform greatly.”
On Gonzalo Higuain: “He is excellent form, his skills allow him to track back a little and be a facilitator. I have gotten to know him in this month, he is a strong player that I had appreciated in Napoli too. He is an absolute champion that knows the system. He enhances our ideas. We will decide the XI after today’s practice, we will still take some time.”
On the transfer market: “It is a nuisance not only for us, but for the whole football system. Important players are being discussed, surely they can not be totally focused for such an important game. We have to rely on our certainties, we have to make the right decisions even though mistakes are always around the corner.”
On the emotion of facing their former team: “It is extremely nice for me. One or two months ago I could have never imagined to be on such an important bench. I was born near Naples, in Ischia, and I have friends and family from there, so it is very particular. Sarri is equally motivated considering his past. There is some emotion but the initial whistle will wash it off.”
On handling the large roster: “We have some professionals that have the right mentality. Obviously who does not play feel bad about it, but we ponder our choices as it would happen in a business or a group that wants to win. This is our only driving factor. Everybody must pursue the same goal, including who is excluded. We must win 40-50 matches, everybody must row in the same direction.”
On Paulo Dybala: “I saw him very well, like when he returned earlier in the summer. He is a very strong player, he can play in different roles, we tested him as false-nine and he can do it very well. We are happy to have this kind of issue, he is very focused despite the buzz, he is a nice guy. He might have been upset for last week’s choice, but it is part of the rules that need to be respected. We have 27 players and only 11 get to play. They are all the same level, excluding Cristiano Ronaldo, so we have to take some decisions also considering the opponent. He is not perturbed, he likes this way of playing, I confronted him very serenely and I am happy for having met him.”
On the proceedings with Sarri sidelined: “He gave some tips before the game, during the break and after it. He might be on the bench tomorrow, I wish he manages because he is the Juventus coach and he deserves to take part to this great event. Then if he can not we will find away.”
On Aaron Ramsey: “He is feeling well, he has been out for a long time so he is climbing a mountain. The others are ahead of him, he must find some continuity in practice, which he is managing now, in order to be up to speed after the break.”
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