Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Barcelona are ‘the best team in the world’, but does not fear them ahead of the Champions League final.
The Bianconeri will meet the Catalan side in Berlin on June 6, seeking to win the competition for the first time since 1996.
“They are the strongest team in the world,” Allegri admitted in an interview with il Tirreno in his native Livorno.
Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Barcelona are ‘the best team in the world’, but does not fear them ahead of the Champions League final.
The Bianconeri will meet the Catalan side in Berlin on June 6, seeking to win the competition for the first time since 1996.
“They are the strongest team in the world,” Allegri admitted in an interview with il Tirreno in his native Livorno.
“However, we’re feeling good, and we’ll go there to play. I’m serious, we will play. My team gives me physical and mental guarantees, it really is a great squad.
“Tomorrow we’ll think about Napoli, and then we’ll start preparing for that game with a sense of calm.
“The truth is we haven’t been able to catch our breath for two months, even to celebrate.
“[Giorgio] Chiellini and [Luis] Suarez? It will be an interesting battle between two champions.”
Allegri also reflected on the state of Italian football, and believes clubs must give more opportunities to youth.
“In Tuscany there are fantastic youth systems, such as Empoli and Fiorentina, so it’s not like we have to discard our entire football system, we’re too self-defeating in Italy.
“It is true, however, that it’s difficult for young players, the Primavera League isn’t enough, the youth teams would have to be playing in Serie D or the Lega Pro.
“I don’t think there’s a lack of talent. Clubs should invest more in youngsters, that’s true, but unfortunately, in Italy immediate results matter more than anything.”