The appointment with history has arrived. This evening, in the splendid setting of the Berlin Olympiastadion so dear to us Italians (it was there that we won the World Cup in 2006), Juventus will play the Champions League final against Barcelona. A titanic challenge for the black and whites, against the strongest team in the world and against the best player ever. In fact, no one has done better than Leo Messi in the first half of 2015, and the Blaugrana will also be able to count on Neymar, Suarez and Iniesta. In short, a real army, but Juve can and must have their say.
“We have a duty to try and win – confirmed Massimiliano Allegri at the press conference. – They are very strong but we mustn't be afraid: we will have to think about scoring goals rather than limiting them". A loud and clear roar, just to reiterate, if there were still any need, that the Lady did not arrive in Berlin as a tourist. On the other hand, if it is true that Barça's offensive numbers are frightening (172 goals this season, of which 120 scored by the Messi-Suarez-Neymar trident, already renamed MSN), it is equally true that, defensively speaking, there is not all this difference. The Blaugrana have the best rearguard in Europe, followed immediately by Juve: that's why, all in all, the game is much more open than one might think.
“They are favourites, it is obvious that this is the case – admitted captain Buffon. – But we will not be the sacrificial victims, of this I am firmly convinced. This final was unexpected, but now we are here and we want to win it. Also for Chiellini”. Yes, because Juve will have to do without their starting defender, the fault of a small injury, however, which occurred at the worst moment. In his place will be Andrea Barzagli, also in doubt until a few days ago but 100% recovered. It will be up to him to compose the central couple with Bonucci, in a 4-man defense that will also see Lichtsteiner and Evra on the wings. For the rest, a typical formation, with Marchisio, Pirlo and Pogba in midfield, Vidal in the frontline and the Tevez-Morata duo in attack.
On the Barcelona front, a lot of serenity, the daughter of those who are used to playing in the Champions League finals but perhaps also of a certain arrogance, typical of a club that is almost too good to be true. “We hope to face the match well and to win – glossed over Luis Enrique. – Indeed there is a lot of euphoria but I'm not worried, these are matches of the highest level, we have to play as we know how”.
More excited Neymar, in the first Champions League final of his career. “It's the most important race of my life – explained the Brazilian. – I have dreamed of an evening like this since I was a child, I hope to score the decisive goal”. Luis Enrique, like Allegri, has no training doubts. Once Iniesta has recovered, the starting 11 will be like: Ter Stegen in goal (the Champions League is his while Bravo is the La Liga goalkeeper), Dani Alves, Piqué, Mascherano and Jordi Alba in defence, Rakitic, Busquets and Iniesta in midfield, Messi , Suarez and Neymar in attack. A parade of stars, to be stopped at any cost. Because the almanacs say that Juventus has been waiting for this cup for 19 years: since then they have lost 3 finals, full of disappointments and discouragement. The time has come to turn the page and rewrite history.
