Juve seek victorious recovery

Guilt still haunts the Juventus flu victims who missed last week’s courageous Champions League loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Now the eight players struck down are determined the Italian giants will triumph in the return match at the Delle Alpi tomorrow so the victory can be dedicated to those who battled against the odds in Manchester only to lose 2-1.

Last week’s match was almost cancelled after the flu bug hit. Five players were unable to travel with the team and another three took ill on the day of the match.

Striker Marco Di Vaio was one of those forced to watch from his sick bed in Turin.

“After Wednesday’s match, all of us who stayed in Turin were conscious that we had an obligation to put in a great performance in the return match,” he said.

“Some of our team-mates played with the fever in Manchester yet gave all they could. We can’t miss this chance to thank them.”

Also on the sick list last week were Juve’s Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defender Alessandro Birindelli, midfielder Gianluca Zambrotta, striker Marcelo Salas, striker David Trezeguet, defender Ciro Ferrara and midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi.

Juventus expect to put out the ‘House Full’ sign at the stadium tomorrow night, which would mean a new ground record.

By today almost 60,000 tickets had been sold and the attendance record stands at 65,387 for the 1991-92 UEFA Cup final between Torino and Ajax.

The Delle Alpi stadium has a 71,012 capacity, but the record for a Juventus game of 63,802 was set in 1992-1993 for a Serie A game against AC Milan.

Juve coach Marcello Lippi, who was also struck by flu last week but stayed in charge for the match, said the return clash was a litmus test for the Italians.

“The important thing is to win because then we will know if we are one of the strong squads in Europe or not,” said Lippi.

The Bianconeri will be without Tacchinardi because of a one-match suspension and Juve’s captain Alessandro Del Piero has not yet recovered a muscle injury in his left thigh.

Lippi has stressed to the players that they cannot afford to take risks against Sir Alex Ferguson’s multi-talented outfit.

“I don’t have a negative thought about Manchester United,” he said.

“Juventus must go out to win but without risking a lot.”