27 February 2015
Alessandro Matri says the Bianconeri are looking to extend their nine-point advantage over Roma at the summit when the two sides face off in Monday’s mouthwatering match-up at the Stadio Olimpico.
With only 14 games to go in the 2014/15 campaign, a win for either outfit in three days’ time would have differing consequences as the title race starts to edge towards its climax.
Whilst Roma will be looking to close the gap on the leaders, an 18th league triumph of the season for the table-topping Bianconeri would go a long way towards Matri and his team-mates possibly celebrating a fourth consecutive Serie A title in May.
Speaking to Jtv’s Filo Diretto earlier this afternoon, he began: “We’re having a good season. The league is very balanced, especially after all five Italian teams progressed to the Europa League last 16. We’ve currently got a good lead over Roma and on Monday we want to extend our advantage even further seeing as it’s an important match.”
The striker, who returned to the club during the January transfer window following stints with Milan, Fiorentina and Genoa, is yet to play for Juventus this term but revealed he cannot wait to make his long-awaited return after a brief spell on the sidelines.
“It’s a privilege to be back and it’s not often that a player rejoins Juventus after leaving. I hope to repay the club's faith in me.
“I’m fully fit after my injury and itching to get started once again. It was a great feeling to come back because I’ve got some good memories from the stadium. Now I’m just waiting for the call to come because I know that I can play my part for Juventus and I'm ready to give my all."
The forward was in the starting line-up for the first competitive encounter hosted by Juventus Stadium back in September 2011, a match which saw the Old Lady defeat Parma 4-1.
And he was quick to talk up the Bianconeri’s splendid venue which has become a fundamental factor behind the club’s success over the last few seasons.
“Every time you go past Juventus Stadium, you see how fantastic it is. It’s the only stadium which is owned by a club in Italy and it’s constantly full. I remember so many games from the English and German leagues where the venues are sold out. It’s brilliant to be able to play and hear the fans’ support when they’re so close to the pitch.”
Of the 29 goals he scored during his first spell at the club, the 30-year-old had two which immediately sprung to mind when quizzed on his favourite all-time strike in the famous black and white stripes.
“From an aesthetic point of view, probably my left-footed strike against Chievo. But if I were to pick out the most important goal and the one I remember most fondly, it was during a vital match versus Inter that finished 1-0 in our favour.”
Matri brought an end to proceedings by providing a few final thoughts on his aims for the remainder of the campaign: “I want to take the opportunities that come my way and given that the club is still fighting on all three fronts, it would be good to secure some success in those competitions.”
