Parma vs Juventus preview - Chiellini - We must look at ourselves
Posted Sunday, May 15, 2011 by PA
Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini admits the Turin giants will only have themselves to blame if they fail to qualify for the Europa League.
They stand seventh heading into their final two matches of the Serie A campaign, against Parma and Napoli on the following Sunday.
Parma are all but safe, with six points between themselves and third-bottom Sampdoria, while Napoli stand third and are heading for next season's Champions League.
Chiellini and company can only envy those heading for Europe, because as it stands they will miss out.
They stand three points behind Roma and Lazio, with time running out to bridge that gap.
Chiellini said on www.juventus.com: "If we still want to reach the Europa League we need to get six points."
That was rather stating the obvious, because Monday's 2-2 draw at home to Chievo looks like proving a damaging result. Juventus led 2-0 but let a winning position slip away, having bungled in an identical manner in their previous home match, against Catania.
"There's still regret for Monday night's result," Chiellini said, "but we must do all we can to end the season well.
"Unfortunately we've let many points go. We haven't been efficient in seeing out games in which we were ahead. In particular, the last matches where we've been 2-0 up are the ones that upset us the most, given the current league situation.
"I'm obviously disappointed for how this year has gone. We all hoped to get better results and I don't want to think about not managing to get into Europe."
Chiellini, 26, meanwhile, has dismissed speculation linking him with a summer move as "pub talk".
There were fears in the Juventus camp this week that midfielder Alberto Aquilani, on loan from Liverpool, had suffered a nasty muscle injury in his right leg, however following closer examination it has been confirmed there is no tear.
Playmaker Sebastian Giovinco will be lining up for Parma against the team who loaned him out at the beginning of the season.
Giovinco has impressed in Parma colours and is eager to make an impression tomorrow.
He told fcparma.com: "It will be a real match against Juventus. We want to do well to round off what has been a bit of a troubled season, especially since we are the home team."
And Giovinco is optimistic his future could be with Parma, saying: "I hope to stay here."
Photos
More»Arabella Chi looks sensational as she flashes her bum in thong bikini
Friday March 29 2024'WC's Sexiest Fan' Ivana Knoll set to steal limelight...
Friday March 29 2024Glam TV host Diletta Leotta begs Loris Karius to QUIT Newcastle
Thursday March 28 2024
Your Say