Stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera admits Chelsea made it tough by man-marking Andrea Pirlo, but Fabio Quagliarella “shows everyone can make the difference.”
Stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera admits Chelsea made it tough by man-marking Andrea Pirlo, but Fabio Quagliarella “shows everyone can make the difference.”
Juventus made their Champions League comeback with a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, as Arturo Vidal and Quagliarella fought back from 2-0 down to snatch a point. Shakhtar Donetsk beat Nordsjaelland 2-0 to top Group E.
Oscar scored a brace in the first half, including one huge deflection, but was also crucial when marking Pirlo in midfield.
“We know that Andrea is man-marked, as everyone knows he is the centre of our play, so we have different options such as central midfielders who must come forward with the ball to feet,” said Carrera.
Quagliarella replaced Sebastian Giovinco and proved decisive, scoring the equaliser and hitting the bar.
“During the week we watch the players and see who is in the best shape. Ale Matri played on Sunday, but Fabio shows perfectly that everyone is needed at Juve and can make the difference when called upon.
“He scored a great goal and threatened to win it at the end. We had a great performance and proved we can play on a par with anyone.
“Giovinco does what we ask him to, as the strikers need to play into space. He will get better fitness levels soon and no doubt make himself heard in Europe as well.”
Juve were trailing in London and also fought back from 1-0 down to beat Genoa 3-1 on Sunday.
“The first goal was when we only had 10 men, as Vidal was out injured. We accept that, but obviously it didn’t help.
“We started badly at Genoa, but here we took the initiative and controlled the game, creating two or three chances in the first half. Of course when playing against Chelsea you will have to give away some scoring opportunities eventually.
“We are happy to have got this game back on track after being 2-0 down. Now we take this point and from tomorrow prepare for Serie A.”