End of the wait. After nearly three years in purgatory, Juventus reappears on the top continental stage, that Champions League that has always offered joys and sorrows, and it does so with a comeback in style. In fact, the "debut" is at the home of defending champion Chelsea, not exactly a soft commitment, but at Juve they are happy like this, at least according to Gigi Buffon: “Playing against Chelsea means that the difficulty bar is raised, an element that can also be stimulating. This and the next matches will tell us who we are and what we can dare."
In short, the adrenaline is at a thousand, also because, Buffon and Pirlo aside, not many at Juve have European experience. A problem? Not necessarily, at least according to the goalkeeper: “Today we may be a little less talented, compared to the many champions of the past, but we make a game creed our own, which can pay off positively. We are an emerging team, made up of young players, who can therefore have a great future. It is true that many do not have specific Champions League experience, but they have gained many appearances for the national teams…”.
Juve believe in it and don't feel beaten at all, also because Chelsea will also be European champions, but they're certainly not going through a very brilliant moment. Last weekend, while the bianconeri conquered Genoa in a comeback, the Blues were stopped by QPR after a slow and cumbersome performance. Of course, the Champions League is another story, but this also applies to Juventus. “There are 3-4 teams superior to us in terms of personnel quality and experience, then we can insert ourselves immediately afterwards – Buffon reiterated proudly. – Even if we were to go out, sooner or later, we would like to be aware that we have been competitive. Returning to the Champions League through the front door, after last year's epic feat, after having deservedly won the Scudetto, means returning with desire, awareness and pride. For some elements of the team, there won't be another ten chances to play in this cup, so we'll try to do our best."
Important words, which testify to all the desire of this Juve. The message also came loud and clear to Roberto Di Matteo, who showed great respect for the Old Lady: “Juve are very competitive, they had an extraordinary championship last year, they are one of the most difficult teams to face in the whole competition, with the right mix between young players and experienced players. I think he will try to impose his game here too, it's his mentality, we will have to limit the spaces and fight back. What tactic will I use? I'm not going to tell you, but I know Juve well...". Less secrets instead for Conte, who will present the best possible team in London. Because the Champions League dream has just begun and the Juventus coach intends to make it last as long as possible.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovich, Luiz, Terry, A. Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires, Mata, Hazard; Torres.
On the bench: Turnbull, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Bertrand, Oscar, Moses, Sturridge.
Coach: Robert DiMatthew.
Unavailable: Marine.
Disqualified: nobody.
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic.
On the bench: Storari, Lucio, Caceres, Giaccarini, Isla, Matri, Quagliarella.
Coach: Antonio Conte (suspended, Massimo Carrera on the bench).
Unavailable: Pepper, Padoin.
Disqualified: nobody.
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal).
Line assistants: Miranda (Portugal) – Tiago Trigo (Portugal).
Door attendants: Capela (Portugal) – Ferreira (Portugal).
Fourth man: Rui Tavares (Portugal).
