Lippi Picks Milan And Barcelona For Europe - TalkSoccer

BlackNess · 24-08-2007, 08:35 AM

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Lippi Picks Milan And Barcelona For Europe
Former Italy coach Marcelo Lippi isn't too downbeat following his country's 3-1 loss to Hungary last night, maintaining his belief that they will come good at the right moment.

The ex-Juventus boss also gave his Champions League predictions for the new season, citing Milan and Barcelona as favourites...

Marcelo Lippi insisted today that Italy still have what it takes to hit form at the right time, even in the wake of that disastrous 3-1 away friendly defeat to Hungary.

The former Azzurri coach said, "I didn't see the game, and in any case it's not up to me to speak about Italy, but I think I can say that the squad is strong and will come good."

Lippi, whose Italian squad lifted the World Cup last year, added, "It's not true that the players have no motivation. The will to win is there, and it will appear at the right time."

The ex-Inter boss quit the Azzurri post last year in a "mission accomplished" gesture and since then has taken up a position of commentator with Sky television. (Interestingly, another prominent Italian boss - Fabio Capello - does similar work for RAI.)

Lippi turned his attention away from Roberto Donadoni's men to weigh in on the Champions League, which he won with Juventus in 1996.

"For the Champions League, I think that Milan are favourites, but Barcelona has an extraordinary squad.

"Inter's won two consecutive titles and will of course try for the Champions League, but it would be foolish of them to neglect the league.

"Juventus, as always, will play to win, and that could help them," he concluded.

Finally, Marcelo looked at two of the Azzurri prodigal sons: Christian Vieri and Antonio Cassano.

Vieri, beset by team difficulties and injuries since parting ways with Inter in 2005, has the chance to end his career on a high note at Fiorentina, while Cassano's Madrid nightmare could end if he does well at Sampdoria.

The venerable coach offered some words of encouragement to the pair, saying, "I am sure that Christian will have a great season, while Antonio will have to work hard to take advantage of his new tifosi's enthusiasm.

"I believe that this can be a vintage year for him."

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LaVecchiaSignora · 24-08-2007, 05:41 PM

I think much of his decision is based on a Kaka, Ronaldinho thing but it is a good predictions, i think alot of people will make the same...i however thinkg your going to see and EPL team there again, and im also hopefuly roma will make it but its a long shot...i think milan still have the best chance from italy...i dont think inter has any chance, because at least as far as ive seen the dont do so hot competing in tournaments and league play at the same time latley, and if they want to repeat for the scudetto i think they are going to be distracted from CL

**Jager** · 25-08-2007, 04:43 AM

Your not really going out on a "limb" by picking Milan or Barca at this moment in time.

TheDevil · 25-08-2007, 08:21 PM

we will not win this season
this is the kiss of death
though I expect a big run in Serie A

**D-Kin** · 25-08-2007, 11:02 PM

Both will reach at least the quarter-finals, possibly the semis.

More so Milan than Barcelona though.

Forza_Roma · 26-08-2007, 03:24 PM

Milan will be targets as they are champions. But they have the quality to go deep again. This year Ronaldo will be available to assist them.

barracuda · 27-08-2007, 06:24 PM

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Originally Posted by Jager

Your not really going out on a "limb" by picking Milan or Barca at this moment in time.

Yea, that's sort of like picking Inter for the Scudetto. It's not exactly high odds. Even if Milan isn't the best, they've been in the QFs or better 5 years straight including 3 finals.