Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

'I knew immediately I would miss dream final' - Chiellini

The defender will miss Saturday's showdown with Barcelona with a calf injury,
admitting that it would have been impossible for him to recover in time.

Jun 5, 2015

Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that he knew his dream of playing in the Champions League final would be snatched away from him as soon as he broke down in training on Thursday.

The Juventus defender was set to line up against Barcelona in Saturday’s showpiece, but suffered a calf injury two days ahead of the tournament decider in Berlin.

“I immediately realised the importance of the injury," Chiellini wrote on Twitter. "I hoped to be wrong or to be able to recover in record time as I have already done other times, but this time it was really impossible.

“Playing the Champions League final is a dream that me and millions of children have had, but sometimes destiny is weird.”

However, the Italy international was quick to send a rallying cry to his team-mates and the Juve supporters across the world.

“Juventus is made of great men and players, I’m sure my team will fight more on the field than ever," the 30-year-old added. "They will show the world the grit, the strength and the determination I would have put into this final and all together we will be able to achieve this dream.

“My friends, I will be with you tomorrow to cheer and suffer for the one and only goal… Win this cup!!!”

Chiellini was an ever-present in Juve’s run to the Champions League final.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Allegri's Berlin battle plan

A glance into Coach Max Allegri’s past proves he knows how
to overcome Barcelona and Luis Enrique, explains Gaby McKay.

Jun 5, 2015

It’s fair to say Massimiliano Allegri wasn’t given the warmest of welcomes when he arrived at Juventus last summer.

“The first day with Allegri and the President in the car, we were greeted at the training ground by spitting, eggs and kicks,”Bianconeri director general Giuseppe Marotta recalls. “It was a challenge to turn that attitude around.”

It was a task to which Allegri rose with aplomb, guiding the Turin giants to a fourth successive Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, as well as conquering the final frontier by masterminding a Champions League run which will see the Old Lady compete for the ultimate prize in Berlin on Saturday night.

While most pundits have Barcelona down as comfortable favourites, it’s worth noting that the Tuscan Coach has overcome these opponents before. In February 2013, a Milan side containing the likes of Kevin Constant and Sulley Muntari faced off against Andres Iniesta, Xavi and the rest.

No-one gave the Rossoneri a prayer, especially with Lionel Messi in the midst of a season which would see him go on to score 60 goals in 50 games. The Argentine is in similarly lethal form this season, but a look back to that night gives some indication of how Allegri may seek to subdue the diminutive genius.

Rather than attempting to have defenders rob Messi of the ball - an almost impossible task, as the likes of Jerome Boateng will testify - the Coach instead opted for the physical presence of Muntari and Massimo Ambrosini in midfield, with Kevin-Prince Boateng dropping back to help.

The idea was to starve Messi in the attacking third, concentrating on preventing the ball reaching the attacker, rather than stopping the player himself.

It worked. Where in the group stage Messi had received the ball an average of 33 times per game in the attacking third, the Rossoneri limited him to just 18, despite only having 28 per cent of possession. A frustrated Messi didn’t manage a single shot on target, and the Diavolo ran out 2-0 winners.

A similar approach was deployed by Joachim Low’s Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, allowing Argentina’s superstar to receive the ball just eight times in their third, meaning that while his dribbling and passing was better than his tournament average, he was working his magic far from Manuel Neuer’s goal.

With Carlos Tevez always willing to drop back and aid the significant physical contribution offered by Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, don’t be surprised to see a similar tactic used to thwart Barça’s main man in Berlin.

Allegri has also enjoyed success against his opposite number, Luis Enrique, as his Milan side defeated the Spaniard’s Roma twice in 2011-12.

On both occasions the Giallorossi enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but were undone by a physical Milan side which broke quickly, before using Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s considerable presence to bully the Lupi defence. Ibra scored four goals in the two games, as Allegri’s men triumphed 3-2 and 2-1.

While that Roma side could not call on the talents of Messi, or indeed Luis Suarez or Neymar, it would not be a surprise to see Juve similarly surrender the ball for long periods before looking to break quickly and exploit Barcelona’s high line.

“We’ll need to be compact and keep it tight. We need to focus exclusively on knuckling down and working hard, not on what might happen,”Allegri confirmed this week.

“Marking Messi while he moves is a near impossible task. We must be smart in working around him.”

As his Milan showed in 2013, those are not idle remarks, but indication of a concrete plan which may just see the man who was greeted with eggs on his arrival soaked in champagne on Saturday night.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus vs. Barcelona: Champions League
Final 2015 Start Time and Top X-Factors

Jun 5, 2015

It isn't often that the UEFA Champions League final features a David versus Goliath matchup, but that is certainly the feeling entering Saturday's contest as an underdog Juventus squad will look to knock off dominant Barcelona.

Juve aren't pushovers by any means, but few expected them to reach this point. They upset Real Madrid in the semifinals, and they now have an opportunity to do something similar to Barca. If they are going to make that happen, though, they will need big-time contributions from some unexpected sources.

The same can be said for the Blaugrana, however, as they can't necessarily expect the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to do all the heavy lifting.

As the biggest event in European soccer approaches, here is all the vital information needed to view the Champions League final, as well as further analysis regarding the top X-factors to watch.


Top X-Factors to Watch

Andrea Barzagli

When Juventus take the pitch against arguably the most dynamic attacking team in the world Saturday, tidy defending will be of the utmost importance. Keeping Barcelona off the scoreboard and pushing the match to penalty kicks may ultimately be the best course of action for Juve.

If it is going to do that, though, it will have to press on without center back Giorgio Chiellini, who suffered a torn leg muscle, according to Juventus.com.

The Bianconeri will have to find a replacement, and although he is coming off a foot injury in his own right, Andrea Barzagli appears to be the likeliest option.

Assuming the 34-year-old veteran is in form, CNN's Tancredi Palmeri doesn't believe Juventus will experience much of a drop off:

Tancredi Palmeri @tancredipalmeri
If Barzagli will be recovered, Juventus won't miss at all Chiellini. If he won't, well then it gets very very very very hard

Adam Digby of beIN Sports took it one step further by suggesting that Juve will actually be better off with Barzagli in the fold over Chiellini:

Adam Digby @Adz77
Honest opinion? If Barzagli is 100%, pairing him with Bonucci is fielding Juve's best two central defenders this year

There is no question that Chiellini has enjoyed some moments of brilliance, but the Italian defender also has a penchant for making a mess of things at times. One mistake could prove deadly against Barcelona, and Barzagli is less likely to commit a miscue.

It is fair to wonder about Barzagli's mobility due to the nature of his previous injury and the fact that Barcelona are so speedy and athletic up front.

There will be a ton of pressure put on Barzagli and Juventus' defense as a whole, but if he is able to hold up, then Le Zebre will have a chance to pull off the upset.


Ivan Rakitic

On a team that boasts the likes of Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Andre Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and so many others, it is quite easy to get overlooked. Even so, it cannot be denied that midfielder Ivan Rakitic's play is a big reason why Barcelona have made it this far.

The 27-year-old Croatian has done a little bit of everything for Barca this season from defending to passing and chipping in with goals. Squads that are littered with stars need glue to bring everything together, and Rakitic is undoubtedly that type of player.

He also seems to have the proper mentality entering the Champions League final. There are times when heavy favorites take an apprehensive approach due to the pressure that is being heaped upon them, but Rakitic doesn't intend to allow that to happen Saturday, according to FC Barcelona's official Twitter account:

FC Barcelona ✔@FCBarcelona
"We have a lot of respect for Juventus. We will try to take the game to them" - Rakitic

Rakitic is an underrated part of Barca's attack since he isn't as celebrated as many of his teammates, but he could easily turn out to be one of the primary keys to success against Juventus.

Barcelona needs someone to make all the little, unnoticed plays that contribute to winning a game, and Rakitic has prided himself on doing that all year long.

Even if he doesn't steal the headlines after Saturday's match, there is a good chance that he will be among the biggest reasons why Barcelona wins if it is ultimately able to come through.


Gianluigi Buffon

There are times when goalkeeping is overlooked in soccer since a great overall team can often compensate for average play in net, but Juventus won't have that luxury Saturday as they will need a massive effort from Gianluigi Buffon.

Despite being 37 years of age, the Italian star is seemingly still on top of his game. He will almost certainly get peppered by Barcelona's cavalcade of talent, which means the entire match could ultimately rest on his shoulders.

One thing working in his favor is the fact that he is no stranger to the big stage. According to ESPN FC, Buffon is the only current Juve player who was on their Champions League squad 12 years ago as well:

ESPN FC ✔@ESPNFC
Gianluigi Buffon is the only remaining member of the Juventus squad that made it to the #UCLfinal in 2003.

He also helped lead Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, which means he has seen and done it all, so it isn't likely that he'll lose his composure under duress.

Buffon isn't putting any extra pressure on himself either. Many believe this is his final opportunity to become a Champions League winner due to his age, but he isn't among them, per the Champions League's official Twitter account:

Champions League ✔@ChampionsLeague
Buffon: "Berlin is not my last chance to win it, simply because I will not quit playing after this final."

Despite his contention, there is no question that Buffon will do everything within his power to win Saturday since time clearly isn't on his side.

It may take one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in the history of soccer for the Bianconeri to upend Barca, but Buffon may be one of the few players in the world capable of providing it.

A top goalkeeper can be the great equalizer in soccer, and Buffon's play will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Champions League final.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Del Piero: ‘Anything can happen’

Jun 5, 2015

Alessandro Del Piero believes Barcelona are favourites against Juventus, but ‘in a Champions League final, anything can happen’.

The Bianconeri are in their first final since 2003, with club legend Del Piero having played that night, and three previous finals, winning just once.

“In a Champions League final, anything can happen,” the Old Lady’s all-time top scored explained, speaking to Tuttosport.

“It’s difficult to make predictions when it comes to such important matches. The team which is favourite could win, but maybe not.

“As for me, I lost when we were the favourites, and won when our rivals had been predicted as favourites. That’s football, especially in finals.”

Pinturicchio lauded Juve Coach Massimiliano Allegri, having brought the Turin giants to the brink of a treble in his first season.

“He took over a winning team and improved it, without creating tension, gradually putting forward his principles without losing the confidence of the players.

“Today Juventus have a clear game plan and are well-organised, they play well.

“What will be important tomorrow? Free kicks, attacking precision from [Carlos] Tevez and [Alvaro] Morata, and the ability to keep possession to defend a good result.”

Finally, the World Cup winner gave his opinion on Barça superstar Lionel Messi, but also singled out Xavi and Juve’s Andrea Pirlo for praise.

“Instinct, passion, magic,” Del Piero said of Messi.

“Messi is a gift to football, and we’re lucky to be around to enjoy him as he deserves.

“Xavi and Pirlo? Two unique players, two real phenomena. It was great to play with them and against them.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Camoranesi: ‘Juventus can win’

Jun 5, 2015

Former Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi says he thinks his old side can ‘bring home the result’ in the Champions League final.

The Bianconeri face Barcelona in Berlin tomorrow night, their first final in the competition since 2003, when Camoranesi was on the losing side.

“Juve are a good team, with seven or eight top-level players,” the former Italian international told Mediotiempo.

“Of course, Barça are favourites because they have the experience of playing finals in recent years. Juve, however, must be proud of what they did.

“To recover from Serie B by winning four consecutive Scudetti is a source of great satisfaction for the team and the fans.

“What Juventus deserve credit for is being patient and building everything over two or three years, focusing on champions like Tevez, Llorente and Evra, as well as young talents like Pogba.

“Going back to the Champions League final, it’s very difficult to make predictions, especially for me.

“But I believe in the ability of Juve to bring home the result.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Allegri’s Three-Year Pain:
Juventus Coach Out For Barcelona Payback

Max will be battling against Barca for the first time as Juve coach, but the Blaugrana
put the Bianconeri tactician through some torrid times when he sat on the Rossoneri bench.

Jun 5, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri’s former AC Milan sides were never able to eliminate Barcelona from Europe’s elite competition, but the now Juventus coach might have a better chance of success in Saturday night’s Champions League Final in Berlin, Germany.

Allegri’s first experience in the Champions League was in 2011-12 with the Rossoneri, after winning the Serie A title in the previous season and playing against the Blaugrana in two stages of the competition.

After drawing 2-2 with Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the opening Group H match, AC Milan lost 3-2 at home on the fifth matchday; but the Rossoneri were unlucky as Mark van Bommel scored an own goal and Barca superstar Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot.

Both teams faced each other again in the quarter-finals and after a scoreless first leg in Spain, Barcelona emerged triumphant in Italy with a 3-1 win in the return fixture.

In the following 2012-13 season, AC Milan played against Barcelona in the Round of 16 and Allegri’s side sprung a surprise in the first leg, winning 2-0 thanks to goals by Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari. The win proved nothing more than false hope though, as Barca humiliated the Milanese side 4-0 in the second leg.

For the third season in a row, AC Milan once more met Barcelona; but the Catalan team did not eliminate the Milanese giants from the Champions League.

Milan drew 1-1 with in their third Group H game and then lost 3-1 on matchday four, but the Rossoneri still managed to progress through to the Round of 16.

They would however still be ousted by a Spanish side, on this occasion Atletico Madrid eliminating AC Milan 5-1 on aggregate; but Allegri had already been sacked by then.

Despite his struggle to obtain results against Barca with the Rossoneri, Allegri should have the belief that his Juve team can beat the Blaugrana.

Having a united dressing room is important and Allegri does not have to deal with any big egos or temperamental players like he did at AC Milan. Juventus don’t have feisty or mercurial players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Antonio Cassano or Mario Balotelli to keep under control.

When Allegri started coaching AC Milan, there was an abundance of players who were over 30 years old such as Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Massimo Ambrosini and Clarence Seedorf.

This Juventus side does not have a plethora of veterans like the Rossoneri did. Although 37-year-old Gianluigi Buffon has played frequently this season, the Bianconeri haven’t been dependant on 36-year-old Andrea Pirlo dictating the play in midfield, and 34-year-old Andrea Barzagli wasn’t hugely missed in defence.

Allegri has also had a more reliable core of youngsters with Juventus than he did at AC Milan, more specifically 22-year-olds like with Stefano Sturaro bringing energy and stamina in midfield, Paul Pogba providing some flair and Alvaro Morata scoring key goals up front for the Bianconeri.

AC Milan were slow and ageing under Allegri but his Juventus team doesn’t have this issue because of midfielders like Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Roberto Pereyra and Argentine striker Carlo Tevez who all provide tireless running as well.

Barcelona have a star-studded attack with Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and although they are not reliant on playmaker Xavi these days, Andres Iniesta brings valuable experience in midfield and Ivan Rakitic has been a top addition.

Allegri does not need to be as preoccupied with Barcelona today as it was the case with AC Milan though. He is going into battle with a stronger army this time around.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Buffon: ‘Final was a target’

Jun 5, 2015

Gigi Buffon says Juventus were targeting the Champions League final, but admits they didn’t expect to get there this year.

The Bianconeri take on Barcelona in Berlin tomorrow, and the goalkeeper spoke alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Coach Massimiliano Allegri at the pre-match Press conference.

“It was definitely a target,” Buffon explained.

“One which myself and my teammates set ourselves in recent years and have now been able to reach. We probably didn’t expect to get there this season, but it’s been the ideal campaign for many reasons.

“The first, and most important of all, is a big change at the technical level in the Coach, who in my opinion could have gotten us to the final in the next two or three years.

“Instead, it came earlier than expected, we didn’t expect it. And like all good, unexpected surprises it brings us great joy.”

The Italian international also believes that the experience of the two teams will be important in handling the occasion.

“The emotional aspect will be there, and it will be an important part of the game.

“It’s also true that both teams have players, whether they’re young or less young, who have valuable experience which they can draw on to manage these types of situations.

“I guess at the beginning, one side or the other might find it more difficult, but after those first five or 10 minutes, over the 90 minutes you’ll see two real teams and what they’ve done to reach the final.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Evra To Bury Hatchet With Suarez

Jun 5, 2015

Juventus defender Patrice Evra spoke ahead of the Champions League final clash against Barcelona, confirming that he plans on shaking Luis Suarez’s hand.

The two players had experienced a previous altercation, with Luis Suarez having racially abused Evra and subsequently refused to shake his hand in 2012, during the pre-match ritual of a Liverpool versus Manchester United match.

Evra has assured that he has has forgiven and forgotten however, and intends to focus on the game and treat Suarez as any other opponent.

“I will shake Suarez’s hand,” Evra said to Tuttosport.

“I do not mind him.

“Tomorrow is the Champions League final; I am proud of myself and proud of who I am, and I will try to make my presence known on the field when I go up against Suarez.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Morata: Juventus Have ‘Super’
Defence To Stop Even Messi

Jun 5, 2015

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata spoke ahead of his team’s Champions League final clash against Barcelona, confident that the Bianconeri can muzzle their attack.

Morata emphasized the aspect of Juventus’ defence and remained bullish that — despite the late withdrawal of Giorgio Chiellini — the Bianconeri can stop even Lionel Messi.

The Real Madrid loanee also touched on the extra motivation he feels ahead of the game against Barcelona.

“Juventus have a super defence that can stop champions; even Messi,” Morata said to El Partido de las 12.

“We want to play a great match and win the Champions League; we know that winning would enter us in the history books.

“The idea of beating Barcelona particularly motivates me of course. I would be lying if I said it didn’t.

“I grew up in Real Madrid [academy] and I still have many friends there. I have already dreamed so many times of scoring the [winning] goal in the final.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Bonucci: ‘Barzagli one of the best’

Jun 5, 2015

Leonardo Bonucci assures Juventus can cope without Giorgio Chiellini in the Champions League final as Andrea Barzagli is ‘one of the best in the world’.

Chiellini was ruled out of tomorrow’s match with a calf injury, but his defensive partner insists it will not be a problem to play alongside Barzagli.

“I’ve been described as a player with personality, and I want to prove it again tomorrow,” Bonucci told reporters in the pre-match Press conference.

“Barzagli has been unlucky for a year, but he’s one of the best in the world. He’s physical, and there’s no-one better than him one-on-one.

“The loss of Giorgio is important, it makes things more difficult. But as Italians, its in these moments that we are at our best, we’ve worked well, and we want to dedicate this dream to him, as he’s worked so hard to get here.

“We want to dedicate it to him and all of Juventus.”

The match comes not long after the 30th anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster, in which 39 Juventus fans lost their lives, and Bonucci admits it will provide extra motivation.

“The memory of Heysel is an emotional one. The memory of that tragedy is an extra motivation to win the Champions League, to dedicate it to those who lost their lives in pursuit of a dream.”

One person who wasn’t happy about the trip to Berlin, is Bonucci’s young son.

“Lorenzo asked me, ‘Dad where are you going?’,” the defender smiled.

“I told him ‘Berlin’, and he said ‘Ugh, I wanted to go to the beach’.

“I told him that on Sunday I will take him to the beach with mamma, and it will be a nice gift.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Allegri: ‘Not about stopping MSN’

Jun 5, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says he’s more concentrated on his team scoring than stopping Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

The Bianconeri will meet Barcelona and their much-vaunted ‘MSN’ front-three in the Champions League final tomorrow, but the tactician is focused on his own side.

“Messi-Neymar-Suarez, the talk is always ‘how do you stop them, how do you stop them’,” Allegri said in the pre-match Press conference.

“We’ll have to play very well, and score, because it’s difficult to see it finishing 0-0.

“Tomorrow night, one of the teams will win the treble, hopefully it’s us. I congratulate [barcelona Coach] Luis Enrique, it’s not easy, it’s never easy for the big teams, even if it looks that way from the outside.

“He struggled at Roma, but that’s normal, given he was coming in as an outsider. You could see he had good ideas, and the right ones.”

The Coach also confirmed Andrea Barzagli would replace the injured Giorgio Chiellini, provided he is fit enough after an injury lay-off of his own.

“I’m sorry about what happened to Chiellini. We’ve lost a guy who has gone all the way in the Champions League, and playing very well.

“Fortunately we have Barzagli and Ogbonna. If, as seems to be the case, Barzagli is fine, then Barzagli will play.

“If Barzagli has some difficulty, Ogbonna will play.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Allegri: ‘Barça have weaknesses’

Jun 5, 2015

Juventus Coach Max Allegri believes Barcelona ‘have weaknesses’ and Lionel Messi is not ‘unstoppable’.

The Bianconeri will take on Messi and his teammates in Berlin tomorrow night, as they seek to win their first Champions League since 1996.

“Tomorrow night, everyone will give their all,” Allegri told the world’s media in the pre-match Press conference.

“It’s a one-off game, so we’ll have no chance to get revenge. We’ll have to be in the best physical condition, which we are, and the best mental condition, which we are.

“We’re playing against a team which has great individuals, and also a great collective. But, like every team, they have weaknesses.

“Is Messi unstoppable? I hope tomorrow he’s stoppable. That’s what we’re here for, otherwise we’d do something else…”

Gigi Buffon said earlier in the conference that he wouldn’t ‘tear my hair out’ if the Old Lady are defeated. Will Allegri be tearing his hair out?

“No, because I don’t have much as it is!” Allegri laughed.

“Tomorrow we have to try to take the final step. It will be difficult, but so is every game in the Champions League.

“We started with a big goal, to make the last eight. We did better than that, we’re in the last two. Now we want to be first.

“I think tomorrow we’ll be very focused on the game, because it will be a great game. As with every final, a bit of luck will be needed, but we’ll have to be very good to make sure the luck is on our side.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Bonucci: Juventus not in Berlin
to be Barcelona's 'victims'

The Italy international says that the Bianconeri are a "great team" too
and insists that they can cope with the loss of fellow defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Jun 5, 2015

Leonardo Bonucci has conceded that Juventus are "one step below" Barcelona - but warned that Massimiliano Allegri's men have no intention of being the Blaugrana's latest "victims" in Saturday's Champions League battle.

The Italians have already completed a domestic double and disposed of last year's winners Real Madrid in the last four yet are considered rank outsiders going into their meeting with Luis Enrique's star-studded side in Berlin.

Indeed, just like Juve, Barca are bidding for a treble and few pundits are giving the Bianconeri much chance of shutting down 'MSN', particularly with defender Giorgio Chiellini having been ruled out with a calf injury.

However, Bonucci says that Juventus have gone from strength to strength since seeing off Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 with a dominant 3-0 win at Signal Iduna Park and claims that the Italian champions' offensive capabilities should not be underestimated.

"This game cannot be summarised as Barcelona's attack against a strong Juventus defence," the centre-half told reporters on Friday.

"Barcelona are not only strong in attack; they only conceded 20 goals in the league so they're strong at the back as well.

"The game will be won and lost in midfield, that's where you'll see the technical skills.

"We're going to put on a strong display as a team as we did against Borussia Dortmund.

"That was a turning point for us. That's when we realised we're a great team, and that's why we're here.

"We got here knowing we're one step below Barcelona but it's a final, one game, so differences will be reduced.

"It will be up to us, all 11 of us, to fight for every ball. We're not here to be victims."

Bonucci also argued that in Andrea Barzagli, Juve have a world-class replacement for the injured Chiellini.

"Losing Giorgio is significant, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room," the Italy international added.

"He'll be here supporting us but his character and determination would have been important for us.

"But, on the other hand, Italian teams traditionally make the best of difficult situations.

"Also, Barzagli is one of the best defenders in the world. He's very strong, particularly in one-on-ones, and there's very few like him in the world.

"We come here knowing we're a good team and we're going to do our best to win; we'd dedicate the win to Giorgio."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Buffon: Juventus have a chance against Barcelona

The Italy international has acknowledged the Catalans' awesome attacking
arsenal but pointed out that the Bianconeri have great players too.

Jun 5, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that while Barcelona are the clear favourites to prevail in Saturday's Champions League final, his Juventus side "have a chance" of causing an upset.

The Bianconeri were dumped out at the group stage last season and little was expected of the Old Lady this season, particularly after the shock departure of influential coach Antonio Conte and subsequent arrival of Massimiliano Allegri as his replacement.

However, Juve stunned Real Madrid in this year's semi-finals and Buffon believes that they can spring another surprise in Berlin, even though the goalkeeper concedes that Barcelona's star-studded line-up will take some stopping.

"In a one-off final, quality on the pitch will determine the outcome," the Italy icon told reporters on Friday. "As I've been saying for the past week, objectively Barcelona are the favourites because they have great individuals with great skills.

"It's only fair to say a team with players like [Lionel] Messi, [Luis] Suarez and Neymar, and [Andres] Iniesta in midfield, are the favourites – of course they are when they're lucky enough to have players like that.

"However, when you meet a team like Juventus with [Carlos] Tevez, [Paul] Pogba, [Claudio] Marchisio, [Leonardo] Bonucci etc, we're not scapegoats – we have a chance."

Buffon was in between the sticks the last time Juve made the final, in 2003, when the Bianconeri were agonisingly beaten on penalties by fellow Italians AC Milan.

As a result, the 37-year-old World Cup winner has since been driven by the desire to lift the most prestigious trophy that has thus far eluded him.

"This has been a target that I've pursued over the last few years with my team-mates and the club," Buffon added.

"Probably we didn't think that this would be a good year, or the ideal year, for us to reach the final – most importantly a great change because we have a new manager.

"We thought it would take two or three years for us to reach the final. We've achieved this objective before that, which is a pleasant but very nice surprise – and we're very happy about it."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Lippi: ’40 per cent chance for Juventus’

Jun 5, 2015

Marcello Lippi believes Juventus have a ’30 or 40 per cent chance’ of beating Barcelona in the Champions League final.

The Bianconeri will face the Catalan side in Berlin tomorrow, their first final in the competition since Lippi himself guided them there in 2003.

“They definitely have a good chance of succeeding,” the World Cup winner told SuperNews.

“That Barcelona have more is something everyone is convinced of, but Juventus also have a chance. I think the team has a ’30 or 40 per cent chance of succeeding, and that’s not small.”

The Old Lady will face arguably the best player in the world in Lionel Messi, how can the Argentine be stopped?

“With the compactness of the team, only with team cohesion. No one player can stop a phenomenon like him.

“He’s the kind of player who you have to face with the compactness of the whole squad, and fortunately that’s a quality Juventus have.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

'Juventus dangerous on counter'

Jun 5, 2015

Gerard Pique says Juventus’ counter-attacks will be Barcelona’s biggest worry in the Champions League final.

The centre-back spoke alongside Neymar and Coach Luis Enrique at the pre-match Press conference, and highlighted the threat the Italian side pose.

“I think we’ll have possession, and then there will be counter-attacks from them,” Pique explained.

“They have players who can go from one end to the other very quickly, and I’m not just talking about Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.

“We’ll have good control of the ball, but the Italians can hold on, we saw that at the Bernabeu and we know what they can do.

“We’re ready to exert pressure, we want to drive the ball forward and create chances.

“We’ve worked all year, and we want to win.

“We have to play, we’re 90 minutes away from perfection.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Allegri: An Italian Team In The
Champions League Final Is Important

Jun 5, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has said it’s good that his side are in the final of the Champions League for Italian football.

La Vecchia Signora face Barcelona in Berlin on June 6 to conclude this season’s top European club competition, with the last time an Italian team being crowned winners of the whole tournament being Inter in 2010, which is also the last time a club from the peninsula have reached the final.

“It is important to have an Italian team in the final, especially as a champion,” Allegri told the press.

“It is good for our whole national game,” the 47-year-old added.

Inter beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the 2010 final, while the last time Juventus were in the final of the Champions League was in 2003. when they lost to AC Milan on penalties.

Since then, apart from the Nerazzurri, Italy have only produced a finalist on two occasions, both being the Rossoneri, coming second place in 2005 and winning it in 2007.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Enrique: ‘Juventus and Barça similar’

Jun 5, 2015

Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique predicts his side will have more possession in the Champions League final, but Juventus ‘have a style similar to ours’.

The two sides meet in Berlin tomorrow, with each side seeking to complete the treble, having won their domestic League and cup.

“It’s a game where we’ll have more possession of the ball,” Enrique predicted in the pre-match Press conference.

“But we’ll have to be alert to a range of problems, because they’ll try and play. They have a similar style to ours.

“They have a very good defence, and, like ourselves, they’re going for the treble. Already Allegri has done well to secure the double.

“I hope it’s an entertaining match, and we want to win. We’ve done our homework, and each team has its way of playing.

“I think it’ll be quite a spectacle, the champions of Italy against the champions of Spain. We’ve won two trophies and now we want to win another.””

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Revenge Of The Sixth: Luis Enrique’s
Juventus Pain And Calcio Nightmare

Luis Enrique will face Juve in the Champions League final, and will surely want
to win this game at all costs to write his own name into the history books.

Jun 5, 2015

The Bianconeri have been written off by many, and with Barcelona installed as firm favourites, Enrique might expect to reach the pinnacle of his career tomorrow and win Europe’s premier competition. But for the 45-year-old on a personal level, glory may not be the only motivation.

Any Barcelona coach has a point to prove from the moment he is appointed, such is the nature of being at a top club anywhere, but especially at one of the big La Liga giants.

However, Luis Enrique may well feel that he has a point to prove in Italy. A torrid spell in charge of Roma saw the Giallorossi finish in a disappointing seventh position in the 2011-12 season.

Beating a domestically dominant Juventus on the biggest stage possible, might bring some redemption to the man and silence his critics who were so glad to see him leave Serie A.

It was Enrique’s first major job after an accomplished player career when he had won three La Liga titles, a European Cup Winner’s Cup and an Olympic gold medal. As a coach however, he only had three years at Barcelona B.

The season was one full of hope at the outset with possible European football in the Europa League, and aspirations to significantly improve on a sixth place finish the season prior under Vincenzo Montella’s brief stewardship.

But much like Roma’s most recent campaign, a European nightmare sent it crashing down. A tricky qualifying round tie against Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava was always going to be awkward to negotiate, but progression was still expected.

A 2-1 loss on aggregate courtesy of a late goal in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico cast a shadow over Enrique’s tenure before it had even begun. The controversial withdrawal of talismanic ‘il capitano’ Francesco Totti also set tongues wagging about his credentials.

The Giallorossi failed to find anything resembling the form required to push for the higher positions in the table after that.

An opening day defeat to Cagliari at home also did plenty to set the tone, and crushing defeats at the hands of AC Milan, Fiorentina, Atalanta and Lecce followed.

As if to compound the Roma faithful and Enrique’s misery further, Lazio did the double over them — a failing that is rarely abided.

Enrique’s experience in Italy was nothing short of a nightmare both for himself and the club. His tumultuous reign was not aided by a Juventus side charging towards their first Scudetto since 2003 and the Calciopoli scandal.

Although Enrique saw his team muster a draw against the Bianconeri in December at the Olimpico, it would be the Bianconeri that would have the last laugh.

One of the final nails in the beleaguered coach’s coffin was the 4-0 hiding that his 10-men received at the Juventus Stadium in April.

While plenty of Juventus fans sang and jeered him that day, Enrique may well have been able to hear a fat lady singing, as time was soon called on a season to forget in a since vastly improved coaching career.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Neymar: Juventus Are In The Champions League
Final Because They Are A Great Side

Jun 5, 2015

Barcelona striker Neymar has labelled Juventus a ‘great side’, stating it is no surprise they have made it to the Champions League final.

The Blaugrana and the Bianconeri will square off in Berlin on Saturday and the Brazilian believes there is no clear cut favourite to lift the trophy.

“It is difficult to label a favourite because there are 90 minutes to play and we must give it our all,” he stated at a pre-match press conference on Friday.

“They are a great side, they aren’t here by chance. It will be difficult.

“[Gianluigi] Buffon? He is one of the greatest players, when I was young and I played PlayStation I was one of his biggest fans. I would be happy if I scored on him.

“I am hoping to score but the most important thing is to win. I’ve played in a lot of finals but this is the most important of my life. It is a dream that I’ve had since I was a child.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus hope to dedicate Champions League
win to Heysel victims - Bonucci

Jun 5, 2015

Juventus hope to dedicate a victory in the Champions League final to the victims of the Heysel disaster.

The Italian side play Barcelona in Saturday's final in Berlin, 30 years after 39 supporters -- mainly from Juventus -- lost their lives when Liverpool fans rioted in the Heysel stadium in Brussels.

Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci told a news conference at Berlin's Olympic Stadium: "As regards the Heysel tragedy, I went to a commemoration last week for the victims.

"The memory of what happened there is a further stimulus for us because we hope to dedicate the victory to those who lost their lives that night."

Juventus manager Max Allegri added: "Heysel will always be one of the dark pages of football history -- and not just for Juventus but all football. For us, it is important to remember the victims and commemorate their deaths."

Bonucci insisted Juventus were not too concerned by the renowned attacking threat of Barcelona's front trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar and that their 3-0 win in Germany against Borussia Dortmund had given the Italians confidence.

He said: "It will not be the Barca attack against the defence of Juventus. The game in Dortmund made us realize that we are a great team, gave us that awareness .

"We come here knowing that we are probably a rung below Barcelona, but in a final the differences dwindle.

"It is up to us to fight for every ball. We will not be the victims here."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Luis Enrique challenges Barcelona's 'unique generation'

The club could become the first team two in two trebles if they win Saturday's Champions League final.

Jun 5, 2015

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has challenged his "unique set of players" to rise to the occasion and create history by winning Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus.

No club in European football has won the treble twice, but Luis Enrique's men could achieve just that at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

In a quirk of fate, Massimiliano Allegri's Juve are also in the hunt for a treble this season to add another fascinating sub-plot to the biggest game in club football.

Speaking at his pre-match media conference, Luis Enrique said: "We've got where we set out to and now we hope to leave an important mark in the club's history.

"I think we will have more possession; we hope to spend more time in their half. We’ll have to play at a high level, it's going to be a difficult match.

"Juve have a very similar style to ours, they also need the ball. They're very good in defence, they're very resourceful and that's why they're in the same position as us – they can win the treble too. We'll have to see what happens.

"We've scored lots of goals in the Champions League but we know finals are very different; there's a lot of tension so we'll have to block that out.

"We know that throughout the match we'll find a Juve who wants to have the ball and they're going to pressure us. Who will win depends on who adapts better to those situations.

"We have a unique set of players, a unique generation given the number of trophies Barcelona have won. I hope we see a great final, an open fun game – that would be great for football, and the one who wins would be the better side.

"I don't think we can compare what we have and the other doesn't – we're both here in the final and can write history for our clubs.

"Each team has its own identity, its virtues and weak points. I think this is going to be one of the best matches you can watch – the champions of Italy and Spain. It's going to be a spectacle of football."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Pirlo: There Is Great Desire In This Juventus Team

Jun 5, 2015

Andrea Pirlo has revealed the desire that burns inside this Juventus side as they take on Barcelona in the Champions League final on Saturday.

The 36-year-old joined Juventus from AC Milan in 2011 and since then has gone on to win four straight Serie A titles as well as the Coppa Italia.

“I needed a change,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “To find new ideas and Juve was the project that fascinated me most because they hadn’t won anything for years.

“Conte put us under a lot of pressure, but there was a great desire among the players because of the two poor years in the championship.

“Allegri arrived with great motivation and wanted revenge. We met at Juve we started from the beginning. as though nothing had happened before.”

Looking to the final of the Champions League, Pirlo said he is happy to be back with his last outing being the 2007 game in Athens when his AC Milan side beat Liverpool 2-0.

“I am happy to be back,” he exclaimed. “I am happy to have these emotions again. The first being the anxiety you have to live with but also the desire, though there was a new one… The expectation.

“Now I am calm, but with the same wants and same desire as the first time. When I arrived [at Juventus] I remember a conversation with the president [Andrea Agnelli] whose goal, even then, was to win the Champions League again.

“Within us, there was a great anger, we wanted to go further, but something always happened. We took a seat and found that extra energy needed to get us up there.

“We knew Monaco would be a tough game, and Real Madrid presented a fascinating challenge, we played at a level where we knew we could hurt them at any time.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

UEFA Champions League Final Preview:
Juventus vs. Barcelona

Jun 5, 2015

You remember all of those games that we've called 'the biggest game of the season' during this magical 2014-15 run to the Champions League final? Go ahead and throw them out the window. Nothing will match what we are about to witness in Berlin Saturday night. Nothing. This is the biggest game there is no matter what we compare it to. Nothing else can come close outside of what Juventus played in to get to this point.

Juventus, the champions of Italy. Barcelona, the champions of Spain. Both teams are looking to win the same trophy and cap off a treble-winning season in the best possible way.

Many expected Barcelona to be here. They've got three of the best strikers this game we love has to offer. And it's not like those three guys suddenly caught fire. They've pretty much been like this all season. Juventus, though? Not many expected them to even make it to the semifinals, let alone slay Barcelona's No. 1 rival and defending European champions in the process. A season full of proving people wrong — from the new manager to the ability to get it done in Europe and all the way back again — has been wonderful to witness. (Unless you root for Inter or something.)

Saturday night is the final stop in a 2014-15 season where Juventus has firmly put its foot down and squashed talk that they're still on the outside looking in when it comes to Europe's elite. We've seen a massive figure resign on the second day of preseason training only to be replaced by somebody who was fired six months before by Milan. And, as the season has gone on, the managerial change proved to be something that was the perfect ingredient to make this team be great outside of just Serie A.

But this test, in the biggest game Juventus has played in years, is unlike any they have seen this season. Makes sense at this stage of the game, doesn't it?

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@gianluigibuffon: "Barca are favourites, that's to be expected with the players they possess. But we're not here to make up the numbers."

Like San Gigi said, Barcelona are the overwhelming favorites entering the grand finale. And you know what? That's perfectly okay. Juventus has thrived as the underdog this season — especially so in Europe. They've overcome the imposing Westfalenstadion and subsequently silienced it, then took down the reigning European champions in their own house and got to do some dancing on the Bernabéu turf. Good times, man, good times.

Maybe it's fate that Juventus are playing the same they beat on their way to the 2003 Champions League final. Or maybe it's simply a coincidence and we can throw it right out the window.

As much as it's an accomplishment to even get to this point, winning it would be so, so, so much sweeter. Go right ahead and win it for Gigi, win it for Pavel, win it for ADP, win it for all the Juve players of the past who never got here. Just win it. This is a chance that doesn't come around very often. So why not make the most of it now that we're finally here?

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We needed to reach Europe's top eight, we're in the top two. Now we must finish first."


GOOD NEWS

Let me check...

Oh yeah, tomorrow is the Champions League final and Juventus is playing in it.


BAD NEWS

Giorgio Chiellini just had to go and hurt his calf a few days before the Champions League final, huh? Fitting that in the last game of the season that this section of the preview is filled with injury news since it's been like that from Giornata No. 1 back in late-August onward.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Juventus' defense vs. Messi-Surarez-Neymar.

Because, let's face it, this is going to ultimately determine whether Juventus heads home with more silverware strapped into a seat on their team plane like after the Coppa Italia final or get second-place medals. It's not so much trying to stop Messi and his friends completely, but more having to avoid complete disaster compared to anything else. As dangerous as Neymar and Suarez can be, Messi is just on a whole different planet. That means the contributions of the left side of Juventus' defense, Patrice Evra and Leonardo Bonucci, will be vital without Chiellini in the lineup. We could sit here and break down the individual matchups, but defending such a talented and dangerous trident isn't going to come down to one single person. Trying to slow them down will be something all four at the back — and probably some saves from Gigi Buffon — as well as the midfield. This is just what needs to happen when you're going against three of the best around.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Stopping @FCBarcelona's front three won't be enough. It's unlikely the game will finish 0-0, so we'll need to score."


2. The health and effectiveness of Andrea Barzagli.

Considering how up and down Chiellini's form has been this season, some folks are thinking that Barzagli coming into the starting lineup for the Champions League final isn't such a disaster like others might perceive it as. I've gone back and forth on it about 20 times while writing this part of the preview, and I think it will be that as the countdown clock winds down to kickoff Saturday night. But I keep coming back to this one central focus: Having a healthy and match-fit Barzagli in the lineup is never a bad thing. Ever. That's why many folks aren't throwing themselves down a flight of stairs because Chiellini is out injured. Barzagli has been Juventus' best defender not named Leonardo Bonucci this season, so it's not like a total scrub is stepping in for Chiellini. And even though he is just getting over his own injury problems, he has been training for most of the week and every indication is that The Great Wall of Barza is ready to roll.

That Tuttosport headline of "STATE CALMI C'E' BARZAGLI" definitely seems pretty handy right now.


3. How does Allegri play this one?

As we've come to see about Juventus in Europe, a classic counterattack has proven to be their best friend. The same can be said about pressing high and putting the opposition under pressure. But will that really work against a team like Barcelona that can destroy any opponent in what seems like the blink of an eye? I'm not so sure, unless you feel like trying to stop fire with fire. (Or something like that.) Does Allegri go conservative or does he crank up the pressure in an attempt to catch Barcelona off guard? This in lies the external struggle of trying to read a manager's mind before the match actually begins. I guess the only real thing we know is that a late-game switch to a 3-5-2 formation is out of play with Barzagli stepping in for Chiellini. At least we can figure that out, which is better than just sitting here completely clueless.


4. Juventus' midfield vs. Barcelona's midfield.

Rewind to whenever you read the Q&A session with our friends at Barca Blaugranes. What's the one weakness they identified within the Barcelona ranks? Yeah, the midfield. The same one that has Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets. But when you can counter with Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo, you're setting yourself up for a pretty good fight. A lot like the defenders above, a collective effort is crucial here. And it could hinge on Vidal, who will be going directly up against Busquets for most of the night. Even though Vidal will be in his unnatural spot as a trequartista instead of playing alongside Pirlo, he will incredibly important to the cause. And if Pogba plays more like the pre-injury player compared to the post-injury one who is still finding his match fitness, then Juventus winning the always-important battle in the center of the park. It worked against Real Madrid, right?


My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Morata, Tévez

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Cafu: Barcelona Will Have Tough Time Against Juventus

Jun 5, 2015

Former Brazil and AC Milan full-back Cafu thinks that Barcelona will have a difficult time against Juventus in the Champions League final, contrary to popular belief.

The Bianconeri are preparing for their first European final since their defeat to a Milan side featuring Cafu in 2003 and are hoping to avoid a record sixth defeat in the final and Cafu believes that Massimilliano Allegri’s men can overcome the odds.

“I am expecting a very tough final,” the 44-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“So many people think it will be an easy final for Barcelona but for me it won’t be because Juventus will put up a fierce struggle and the game will be difficult for the Catalans.

“Juventus can also win it if they play like they have been playing up until now.

“Tactically, Juve are perfect squad, they don’t give space to their opponents and they strike so quickly on the counter attack, if they play this way, they can win.”

Turning his attentions to Barca’s Brazilians, Neymar and Dani Alves, he admitted he rates them highly and that the latter could do well for his former side, Milan.

“Neymar is so good, I always cheer for him, it will be a beautiful game to see him in.

“Dani Alves to Milan? He is one of the greats and one of the strongest full-backs around, he has won everything and could do well at Milan.”