Juventus” data-scaytid=”1″>Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta insisted “the Scudetto race isn’t over yet” despite their lead and Mattia Destro’s ban.
Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta insisted “the Scudetto race isn’t over yet” despite their lead and Mattia Destro’s ban.
The Bianconeri maintained the gap at the top of the table at eight points and Roma’s top scorer Destro will be suspended for the next four games.
“Destro is a little champion, but Roma can do without him, as they are a great team,” said Marotta at a talk at the Insubria University in Varese.
“The club is highly motivated, play well together and can cover for his absence. We have a good lead at the top, consolidated with an extraordinary campaign, but there are still 18 points to go and the Scudetto race isn’t over yet.
“For three seasons we have been the pace-setters and this puts a lot of strain on a side, but thanks to Antonio Conte we have maintained our position at the top and will try to stay there for even longer.
“Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente have scored 31 goals between them and I think they both deserve to go to the World Cup.”
Naturally, Marotta was asked about the Juventus Stadium, which is setting the benchmark for other Serie A clubs.
“It is the example to be followed. Most Italian stadiums are cathedrals in the desert, used only during the games. Our stadium has a daily life of its own and on match day welcomes spectators not just for the game, but to spend many enjoyable hours together.
“Directors also have a social responsibility towards the lads in the youth academy. They hope to become professionals, but Italian football will only allow three out of a hundred to achieve that aim.
“Therefore we wanted to become the first Italian football club to create our own college to ensure the players can combine sporting activity with learning and accompany them towards their diplomas.”
Marotta was asked who his favourite figures from the history of football were.
“In my view Pele and Diego Maradona were the greatest players, while as a Coach I’d say Sir Alex Ferguson not just for what he won, but because he covered an entire era at the top.”