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Barzagli: “On our toes for Bologna test”

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Barzagli: “On our toes for Bologna test”
Barzagli: “On our toes for Bologna test”
Barzagli: “On our toes for Bologna test”

Recovered and raring to go

“My shoulder has mended up quickly and I’m in good shape now, but the most important thing was to make a full recovery. I’m now by all intents and purposes available for selection again. I feel like I can give a great deal to the team, but obviously I respect whatever the manager decides regarding his squad selection.”

Shifting from Super Cup to Serie A

“In football you’re always looking forwards, which is what we’re doing, even if there remains a sour taste after missing out on the opportunity to win silverware. I’m not of the opinion that defeats are ever a good thing and it’s important never to fall into the bad habit of losing. We need to remember that Juventus must always be aiming for victory.

First fixture of the year always tricky

“The first game back after the holidays is never easy both from a physical standpoint, as you’ve stopped training for a week, but the main challenge is a mental one, regaining full focus and recapturing that winning mentality that’s part and parcel of playing for this club.

“We’ve worked very hard this week in Vinovo and prepared in the best possible way for taking on Bologna on Sunday.”

Wary of the Rossoblù 

“We’re well aware that Bologna are a tough side to play against. We’ve done our homework on them and we’ll need to be on our toes.

“Personally I don’t spend much time thinking about records, such as the one you mention (victory this Sunday would extend Juve’s winning run at home to 26 Serie A matches – an unprecedented feat in Italy).

“Over the years we’ve put together plenty of impressive winning streaks, but we don’t stop and pay too much attention to them. That’s obviously not to say that we’re not eager to continue this particular run that we’re on. We’re keen to start the year in the best possible fashion with three points.”

Impressed with El General

“Tomas (Rincon) has been great since joining us and he can certainly play his part in the side. He boasts some standout attributes which compliment those of the rest of the squad and I’ve noticed just how hungry he is to get going.

“He’s trained very well so far and I believe that players who show the same sort of enthusiasm and commitment as he has can only benefit us.”

Europe an objective, not a dream

“The Champions League was a dream for the first few years since I joined (in January 2011), but now I think that Juventus should be going all the way in the competition, or at least getting out of the group and doing everything in order to reach the semi-finals.

“It’s our objective to qualify for another final and even win it. Why not? That’s the way it should be.”

Sights set on Scudetto no. 6

“Our primary aim this term is that of lifting a sixth successive Scudetto, which would go down in history. That means a lot to us.

“There’s also the Champions League which, as we know, can depend a lot on luck and not picking up injuries at the wrong times. There are many factors which come into play.

“In the league, meanwhile, you need to show continuity and consistency. After lifting five Serie A titles in a row, we’re still hungry for more. Each year we’ve always an objective to meet and this time it’s that of claiming a sixth straight Scudetto, which we hope to make a reality.”

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