Delneri credits team with late victory

Juventus coach Luigi Delneri paid tribute to his players after their narrow 2-1 win over Bari on Sunday.

Hosts Juve went ahead two minutes before half-time through veteran forward Alessandro Del Piero, but Gergely Rudolf levelled for Bari in the 57th minute.

It took an Alberto Aquilani half-volley from outside the box to win the match for Juve late on.

“We knew that Bari were very good on the counter and did well to maintain possession,” Delneri said.

“The team played with great intensity, despite the strain of the Coppa Italia match with Catania on Thursday.”

“We also responded well to conceding the equaliser, proving we are solid and efficient.”

“It’s true Del Piero impressed and we all know his quality and inspiration to younger players, but I also really liked Momo Sissoko’s performance.”

The match marked goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon’s first appearance in Serie A this season after his recovery from a serious back problem.

Buffon’s return meant back-up ‘keeper Marco Storari was forced to take a back seat, but Delneri insists the 34-year-old still has a future with the Turin club.

“I spoke to Marco, there is great respect for him and I hope he will stay with us,” Delneri said.

“When Buffon is healthy, he is the best in the world, and I think Marco realised that.”

“I think Storari can play anywhere in Italy and obviously at Juve too, but he has a world class player in front of him.”

For Serie A’s bottom side Bari, to lose after matching their illustrious hosts for much of the encounter was a bitter blow, according to coach Giampaolo Ventura.

“It is a defeat that really hurts, as we played extremely well,” Ventura said.

“Considering the qualities we showed, we can fight to stay in Serie A right to the end.”