Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta condemned criticism of Gonzalo Higuain as he faces Napoli and ruled out a Javier Pastore bid.
It kicks off in Turin at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Follow the build-up and action on the LIVEBLOG.
Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta condemned criticism of Gonzalo Higuain as he faces Napoli and ruled out a Javier Pastore bid.
It kicks off in Turin at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Follow the build-up and action on the LIVEBLOG.
“Higuain is in good shape, though naturally he cannot forget his past at Napoli and still has an emotional bond there. He is a professional and is focused on the game,” the director general told Mediaset Premium.
This week the Mayor of Naples made some offensive statements, suggesting if Higuain were to visit Naples, he’d need to be surrounded by 1,000 security agents and a mobile metal detector.
“I read some unfortunate comments from local politicians and frankly it is better to talk about football,” replied Marotta.
“We need to give a response in terms of performance, as this is a test that can give us some good pointers going forward.
“Whatever the result this evening, it will not be decisive. I agree with Max Allegri when he says the game with Lyon will be more important, but clearly both teams are going for the win.”
Marotta was asked about the reports that Juve are planning a swoop for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Pastore.
“His is not a profile that interests us. We are already well-covered in that area. Every week the list of players linked with Juventus gets longer, but we cannot have more than 25 players.
“Everything can be improved, we cannot achieve perfection, but this group can give us some great moments.”