Now or never. Juventus is called to conquer London (or, alternatively, to draw by scoring at least 3 goals) to snatch the pass for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, or else raise the white flag over the most important objective of the season. It is useless to hide: the Juventus people take success in Italy almost for granted and look to the European one as the real big dream.
Of course, the mission won't be easy. In fact, Tottenham will be faced with a fierce and healthy team, ready to take advantage of the push from Wembley (even if the old White Hart Lane, for environmental issues, was another thing) to definitively enter the Olympus of the Champions League.
And then Juve certainly didn't get to the match in the best way: to the already confirmed injuries of Cuadrado and Bernardeschi was also added that of Mandzukic, stopped by a problem with his left thigh flexors and remained in Turin, and given and considering that Higuain returns after a 3-week break and that Dybala is still far from top form, it can be seen that Allegri must go and win in London with an attack that is at least debilitated.
“It will be better not to go to extra time since we have no substitutions – replied the coach with a joke that smacks of truth. – Higuain and Dybala will play from the start because they are ready and have recovered well, this is such a good game that players can show their performance even without the right physical form. We will need to play well technically, manage the ball, we are ready to do anything to win”.
At Juve, no one really takes into consideration the possibility of leaving the cup so early, let alone Buffon: this could be his last season and leaving the European stage in this way would not really suit him.
“This thought has never crossed my mind – Gigi glossed over. – I believe and I hope that she is not the last one either for me or for Juve, indeed I hope there are many others ”.
The problem is that it doesn't just depend on the Bianconeri. Tottenham have not lost since December 14 and come from 17 consecutive useful results, which allowed them to take fourth place in the Premier at the expense of Conte's Chelsea, as well as to reach the Champions League so far. The 2-2 in Turin also gave confidence to Kane and his companions, who now dream of eliminating the most popular lady to become the loose cannon of the tournament.
“We know it will be a great challenge against one of the best teams in the world – thought Pochettino. – But we are brave, we have a positive attitude and we know we can win. The result will be a consequence of all this”.
In words the challenge has already begun, now we just have to see it on the field. Allegri will rely on the 4-3-2-1 with Buffon in goal, Barzagli, Benatia, Chiellini and Alex Sandro in defence, Khedira, Pjanic and Matuidi in midfield, Dybala and Douglas Costa in support of Higuain.
Pochettino will respond with the ordinance 4-2-3-1, therefore Lloris between the posts, Tripper, Sanchez, Vertonghen and Davies in the back department, Dier and Dembelé in the midfield, Eriksen, Dele Alli and Son in the trocar, Kane in attack.
Wembley completely sold out, with 4 Juve fans ready to push the team towards the quarter-finals. Because the Juventus people want the Champions League and are ready to do their part to avoid what, to all intents and purposes, would be the end of a dream.
