Juventus clinched their second successive championship and their 27th on total, drawing 2-2 at home to Perugia on Saturday while second-placed Inter were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Parma, leaving Marcello Lippi’s side eight points clear with two games of the season remaining.
For coach Marcello Lippi it was a fifth Italian league title, following last season’s triumph and three successes in an earlier spell with the club.
‘Nothing is for certain in life and football,’ said Lippi afterwards. ‘I have lived through situations when we thought it was all over and it wasn’t. Of course we knew we were close to the title but we had to wrap it up today.
‘Now we face Real. It would be fantastic to get through and play out the rest of the league season waiting to play in the (Champions League) final,’ Lippi told Italian television.
Juve must overturn a 2-1 deficit from the away leg against defending Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Lippi said his team had deserved their title, claiming he never had any doubts that his side would prevail.
‘I never had fears of losingthe title especially since in the last few weeks our lead was increasing. It is of huge importance for us to win the league today and concentrate fully on our match with Real,’ added Lippi.
‘I have won five titles with Juve since 1995,’ said Lippi. ‘Some might say that one or two could be down to luck but five championships mean hard work, dedication and a professional attitude in true Juve style.’
Inter coach Hector Cuper was gracious in offering praise to Juventus.
‘Congratulations to Juventus. They deserved the ‘scudetto’ because they have been the most consistent side throughout the season,” said Cuper.
