Arturo Vidal “can’t believe” Juventus lost to Atletico Madrid and is glad to face Francesco Totti, who “was a champion when I was a child.”
The Bianconeri host Roma on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We must attack them straight away and not allow Roma time to breathe or play their football,” Vidal told Tuttosport.
Arturo Vidal “can’t believe” Juventus lost to Atletico Madrid and is glad to face Francesco Totti, who “was a champion when I was a child.”
The Bianconeri host Roma on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We must attack them straight away and not allow Roma time to breathe or play their football,” Vidal told Tuttosport.
“It has always gone well for me, as I tend to score goals against the Giallorossi in Turin. They have fast players and great quality, so play to launch them forward. We might have less quality, but we are more of a team and keep more possession.
“This game arrives at a delicate moment for both teams. The winner will have maintained better concentration throughout.
“There’s more pressure on us, as Juventus always have more pressure than the other teams. We’ve won three consecutive Scudetti and every opponent plays the game of a lifetime against us. I like that, though, as feeling this pressure means you are strong.”
Totti scored for a 1-1 draw at Manchester City midweek, becoming the oldest ever player to net in the Champions League at 38.
“Totti was already a champion when I was a child,” noted Vidal. “He is a genius and as always we will use intensity and aggression to control him. Can I see myself scoring in the Champions League at 38? Ooh, that would be very difficult. My type of football uses up a lot of energy and I don’t know if I’ll get to 38!”
While Roma impressed midweek, Juventus were beaten 1-0 by Atletico Madrid and criticised for a negative approach.
“We faced a strong side that played in a very obstructionist manner, sitting in their own half and waiting to hurt us on the counter-attack. We played on their level, so not perfect, but barely allowing chances to a team that last season was minutes away from winning the trophy.
“I didn’t like the referee in Spain, much like when we played Real Madrid last year, as there were very few yellow cards despite the constant fouls and their defenders were always crying to the officials… It’s horrible playing like that!
“I saw progress in our attitude. We were really angry at the Calderon for losing a game in an incredible way. Nobody could believe Atletico were able to score a goal while playing like that. We made one single mistake and were punished.”
Vidal was asked about the difference working with Max Allegri after Antonio Conte’s sudden summer departure.
“One is more relaxed, whereas the other is more… let’s say intense. The working methods are different, but they are united by the desire to win. They use two different paths to reach the same objective. Allegri is less anxious in general, but in training he is just as tough as Conte.
“Was Conte’s exit a shock? Yes it was, especially as I was on vacation and didn’t understand what was happening. I’d never seen a Coach just leave after winning three consecutive titles.”
Looking back over his career in Serie A, the Chile international picked a surprising toughest opponent.
“Milan the first year were tough, but also Napoli and Roma. I always had problems playing against Inler, while Montolivo is very good on the ball and Nainggolan is a whirlwind.
“Maybe the toughest was Robinho. He’s technically gifted and hides to ball, which drives you crazy. There’s a strong temptation to just kick him!”