Juventus CFO Francesco Calvo is ‘proud’ to start three youth products against Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final and hails Max Allegri for making the season ‘seem almost normal’ amid the uncertainty of their points penalties.
It kicks off at the Sanchez-Pizjuan at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The Bianconeri snatched a last-gasp Federico Gatti equaliser in the first leg, which allowed them to go into this game level on aggregate and with no away goals rule.
“It’s a lovely atmosphere, there is a positive energy within the squad and we are proud to start this match with three players born after 2000 in a semi-final of a European competition. That shows we are building for the future as well as the present and want to make the fans proud,” Calvo told Sky Sport Italia.
Leonardo Bonucci confirmed he will leave at the end of his contract in 2024, while Angel Di Maria and Juan Cuadrado are among those considering new deals.
“We talk to the players and their agents almost every day, but right now we are concentrated on what is fortunately still a long season. The uncertainty over our future, as we still don’t know what competition we will be in next season, is causing some difficulties in a generally fraught campaign.
“We are planning the future with them and fortunately Juventus players are very happy here, so it is easy to dialogue with them.”
That uncertainty is because Juve are currently second in Serie A and would theoretically already be qualified for the Champions League next season, but are expecting a nine-point penalty in the capital gains trial on May 22 that would bump them down to sixth.
With that in mind, winning the Europa League might be their path into the Champions League for next term.
Calvo was asked how much the result of this evening’s game will affect the way Juventus evaluate Allegri’s season.
“I am convinced that Allegri has done an excellent job and deserves credit for incredibly managing to make this season seem almost normal, when it was anything but normal. It had many highs and a few lows, we know that, but we judge a season only at the end, not during.”