Juve remain positive despite defeats

Juventus coach Fabio Capello is determined to stay positive despite his side suffering two consecutive defeats which have allowed AC Milan back into the race for the Scudetto.

Capello had warned his men to keep their feet firmly on the ground last week when back-to-back losses for Milan at Bologna and Livorno had allowed the Bianconeri to open up an eight-point gap at the top of the table.

Yet little did Capello know his side would suffer the same misfortune as their title-rivals.

Defeats against Palermo and Sampdoria, coupled with Milan’s return to form, have seen Juve’s lead cut to just two points although Capello remains calm over events.

“After two consecutive defeats, we are still first in the standings,” said Capello. “We have a two-point advantage and I am convinced that we can still do great things.”

However, Capello is hoping his men will bounce back for next weekend’s challenging clash against third-placed Udinese.

“We have to find our way,” said Capello.

“It’s not going to be easy because we will have to prepare for next weekend’s encounter without several players that will be away with their respective national teams.”

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defender Fabio Cannavaro and midfielder Manuele Blasi have all been called up for the Italian team to face Russia in Cagliari.

However, Swedish international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss Wednesday’s friendly against France having suffered a back injury during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Palermo.