Former Juventus winger Simone Pepe was recently at Converciano in Florence and discussed the Bianconeri’s 15-point deduction, Federico Chiesa, and their chances in the Coppa Italia and Europa League, as reported by Tuttosport. Pepe played for the Old Lady between 2010 and 2015 and won four Serie A titles in that time.
How difficult is it to play in the championship with a penalty handicap?
“Juventus exalts itself in difficulties. I’ve been in it and I know how they think, whatever happens we go on anyway, we fight as always. Of course it’s not easy to play with 15 penalty points but I know how they think and how they are able to overcome any obstacle. They had already earned the extra 15 points on the field, then let’s see if they will be returned.”
Another man capable of making an impact in such an important moment of the season could be Chiesa:
“The more strong players you have, the better. He is a fundamental pawn because he breaks games with his change of pace. In the decisive moments he is someone who is always in the game. We always need players like this, just as Di Maria’s newfound continuity is very important. He had a few little problems but now he is finding everything again.”
Aside from the championship front, Juventus is still in the running in Europe and in the Italian Cup. With the black and whites you won 4 championships and the national competition. Could it be time to lift that trophy again?
“Juventus can win everything, in the sense that they will battle anyone. In the championship they won in Milan playing a good match. Inter had much more of the ball in the game, but Allegri’s team had real opportunities with three or four important counter-attacks to be able to increase the lead. These are real matches against strong teams with an open result, in which anything can happen, but Juve are not taking a step back from anyone.’
