JUVENTUS, Vucinic relishing meeting with former side

© foto di Federico De Luca

Mirko Vucinic says he is looking forward to lining up against his former employers when Roma travel to Turin on Saturday evening.

The 28-year-old enjoyed five successful seasons in the capital but insists any sentiments will be put to one side once the game is underway.

“This particular game has a different taste as far as I’m concerned. It’s always more exciting when you’re a former player. I spent five years there and still have friends at the club. I’ve spoken to De Rossi, I’ll hug him before the game, but once it begins, we’ll put our friendship aside for ninety minutes,” the Montenegrin told reporters.

In addition to playing against several familiar faces, Vucinic will also be reunited with Zdenek Zeman, the man who coached the striker at Lecce during the 2004/05 campaign.

And Vucinic was keen to pay tribute to Zeman’s positive impact throughout his time in Puglia.

“I scored 19 championship goals under his management, I can only be grateful for what he did for me. He taught me a great deal, just like all the managers I’ve worked with.”

Vucinic concluded with a thought on Andrea Pirlo. The 33-year-old playmaker, whose stunning displays lifted the Bianconeri to last year’s Scudetto, has recently seen his form questioned by certain sections of the media.

But the frontman is adamant that Pirlo’s undisputed class will continue to shine through.
“I think Andrea’s in great shape. He’s the only one who is always surrounded by two or three opponents, but is unquestionably a world class player. When the ball is at his feet he can always produce something.”