Vialli refutes judge’s claims over Juve player-doping

FORMER Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli has denied claims he was a willing recipient of the performance- enhancing drugs administered by former Juventus doctor Riccardo Agricola.

Agricola was handed a suspended 22-month jail sentence by judge Giuseppe Casalbore, who, while absolving the club of blame, questioned the testimonies of players, including former Italy striker Vialli.

Agricola was found guilty of giving the Juve players substances, including EPO, between 1994-98, during which the Turin giants won three Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, the Champions League and the European Super Cup.

Vialli, a key player at the time, said: “I certainly deny the accusations that I knowingly took illegal substances.

“I have not only been an athlete and a footballer but I am also a husband, a father and a friend. I have responsibilities for my family.”

Former Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola, who played for a Parma side which finished second to Juve in the race for the Scudetto one season, has said the Turin club should give back the trophies they won in the period of doping.