09 January 2015
Arturo Vidal says he and his team-mates are ready to go for Sunday’s showdown with Napoli at the San Siro, eager to pick up all three points and remain top of Serie A.
Standing in Juventus’ way this weekend are a Partenopei outfit who beat Massimiliano Allegri’s men in last month’s Super Cup and the Chilean highlighted that his side will look to use that game as motivation to bag a result at a ground where they haven’t won since 2000.
Speaking on JTv’s ‘Filo Diretto’, the 27-year-old began: “It’ll be a tough test and an intense encounter against Napoli. The Super Cup defeat in December still hurts, but it should spur us on to go there, pick up all three points and show that we’re better than them.”
Following two draws in their previous three league games, Juventus have stumbled somewhat in recent weeks and could find themselves in second place when the first whistle blows on Sunday if Roma beat Derby della Capitale rivals Lazio earlier on in the day.
However, Vidal believes that the reigning champions continue to have the upper hand over their closest competitor going into the second half of the 2014/15 campaign with many matches still to be played.
“Given that we’re still first in the table, I believe we’re stronger than Roma. They’re a great side but we have just that bit more than them and need to demonstrate that right up until the end of the season.”
The Chilean also gave a quick word on this week’s 1-1 draw with Inter at Juventus Stadium, a game in which he provided a sumptuous assist for Carlos Tevez’s opener after only five minutes.
“We played very well in the first half on Tuesday, it was a performance close to perfection. But they grew into the game during the second half and had more chances than us. We need to improve in our next match, give 100% and remain concentrated for 90 minutes.”
Attentions soon turned to the Old Lady’s upcoming Champions League encounter with Borussia Dortmund in February, a customer Vidal only knows too well from his Bayer Leverkusen days.
And the Chilean was looking forward to an intriguing encounter with the German side who topped Group E with 13 points: “The game against Dortmund will be difficult. They’re struggling in the league but are incredibly strong in Europe. Dortmund are behind Bayern yet still possess a fantastic squad with very quick players.”
Speaking about his own side’s chances in the competition, El Guerrero was adamant that the Bianconeri have what it takes to claim a prize that has eluded the club since 1996.
“Juventus will be challenging, we’ve come to a point where the team has to demonstrate that we’re ready to progress further in the Champions League. We have a great squad here and need to show our credentials on the pitch.”
Vidal wrapped up proceedings by stating his targets for the rest of the campaign and revealed that he has his sights firmly set on an array of honours for both club and country.
“I’m looking to win my fourth Scudetto plus claiming the Champions League would be a dream. On the international scene, I want to triumph in the Copa America with Chile.”
