24 April 2015
Giorgio Chiellini says Juventus will have to brace themselves for a stern semi-final test against Real Madrid but remains confident the European experience accrued over the past few seasons will serve the reigning champions of Italy in good stead.
Speaking to Jtv this afternoon, the defender began: “It will be a difficult game, we’re up against the current holders and a team full of phenomenal players, but we’re capable of causing them problems.
“We’ll need to put in two great performances, starting with the game at Juventus Stadium, and defend well against their world class players.
“We’ve grown as a team and are confident in our abilities. I think the matches we played last year in the Europa League and this year’s direct encounters have equipped us with an important level of experience that will serve us well against Real.”
Before pitting their wits against the competition’s holders, though, Juventus will be returning to domestic matters, with the small matter of a Derby della Mole encounter against inter-city rivals Torino next on the agenda this weekend.
And while Chiellini is certain there will be no issues as far as the team’s physical condition is concerned, he insists they will have to enter into the right mindset before stepping out into the heat of the battle at the Stadio Olimpico.
“We need to leave the euphoria of the Champions League behind and focus exclusively on the derby. It’s an important game and a difficult one that we’ll need to prepare for as best as we can, especially from a psychological point of view.
“I’m sure we’ll be physically ready, but we’ll have to push ourselves to approach Sunday in peak shape, because we’ll need a great performance in every respect if we’re going to come away with the three points.”
