According to Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, FC Bayern rate as one of the best teams in Europe: “Bayern are one of the top favourites to win the Champions League.” However, with his own team in scintillating domestic form, the Italian supremo is upbeat about Tuesday’s evening’s showdown with FCB. “We’ll be ready to turn in a magnificent display. We have a very good opportunity to make the next round,” Allegri told the pre-match press conference.
Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic have both shaken off injuries and will play, the coach announced. “They’re both in good shape, they’ve trained and so they’ll play a part in the match,” confirmed the Juve coach, who is predicting a thriller on Tuesday evening. “A goalless draw at home would be a perfect result, but I don’t think it’ll end goalless. There’ll be lots of goals.”
Juve skipper Gianluigi Buffon feels the clash between the Italian and German record champions is worthy of the semi-finals at least. “I’m expecting a close game against very good opponents,” he stated. “You need to keep your cool against Bayern, but with a crazy streak so you trust yourself enough to try things.” Coach Allegri issued clear instructions to his troops: “We have to keep it tight at the back and make sure we relieves the pressure they’ll put us under.”
