Lippi impressed by Magpies

Juventus coach Marcello Lippi was impressed by Newcastle despite the fact Bobby Robson’s men have still to score a goal in the Champions League.

The Italians took all three points with a 2-0 win, but Lippi conceded the victory did not come easy.

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero struck twice in the second half to break the Magpies’ resistance.

“We had a great rival, I like the squad, they keep the ball well and have good and fast players, it was not easy to beat them,” Lippi told the club’s official website, www.juventus.it.

Juventus top Group E with seven points, followed by Feyenoord with five, Dynamo Kyiv with four and Newcastle, who are yet to get off the mark after three defeats, are bottom.

“Newcastle’s position in the table is a joke. I saw their match against Feyenoord and they deserved so much more,” added Lippi.

Newcastle now have to win their remaining three matches if they hope to continue in the Champions League, and to give themselves a chance of clinching third place which guarantees a UEFA Cup berth.

And Lippi can see the St James’ Park outfit improving.

“In the return matches they will do better, I hope not against us though,” he said.

Juventus travel to Newcastle on October 23 for their next Champions League match which is now so crucial for the European hopes of Robson’s men.