Max Allegri urges Juventus to ‘take it one step at a time’ in the Europa League and start building qualification in the first leg with FC Nantes, but also lists the other huge clubs in the running for the trophy.
This play-off kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT.
The second leg is in France on Thursday February 23.
“It is always Europe and it is not easy, especially looking at the other teams in this competition now. We have to take it one step at a time. Tonight we must put down the first brick to try and put ourselves in a good position for the return leg,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“Nantes are doing very well, they lost only one of their last 10 games and that was in Marseille, they concede very few goals. We need balance, it’s a long game and we must be solid in all areas of the field.”
Dropping down from the Champions League, Juventus inevitably became one of the favourites to win the Europa League this season.
“I repeat, going all the way in the Europa League would be a very important achievement. In this round alone, either Barcelona or Manchester United will be eliminated, then there’s Arsenal, Ajax, Roma, Real Sociedad, Sevilla. We have to take it one step at a time.”