Giorgio Chiellini wants Juventus to “turn the tide” of Supercoppa defeats against Milan and knows how to neutralise Gonzalo Higuain.
It kicks off in Jeddah on Wednesday at 17.30 GMT.
Although Juve have won their last six meetings with Milan in all competition, they lost on penalties in the December 2016 Supercoppa in Doha.
“We have changed a great deal in two years, but it is certainly a trophy we care about and want to win,” said Chiellini in his Press conference.
Giorgio Chiellini wants Juventus to “turn the tide” of Supercoppa defeats against Milan and knows how to neutralise Gonzalo Higuain.
It kicks off in Jeddah on Wednesday at 17.30 GMT.
Although Juve have won their last six meetings with Milan in all competition, they lost on penalties in the December 2016 Supercoppa in Doha.
“We have changed a great deal in two years, but it is certainly a trophy we care about and want to win,” said Chiellini in his Press conference.
“This appointment arrives mid-season, so it’s different to playing in August, but it remains an important competition and we’ve got to prove ourselves with actions rather than words, because we let a few too many of these trophies slip through our fingers in recent years and that is a shame.
“We want to change that trend that has seen us lose the last two Supercoppa finals, and this is the ideal opportunity. It’s going to be a difficult match, but the objective is to start 2019 lifting a trophy above our heads.”
Milan are struggling and there are reports they could drop Higuain in favour of Patrick Cutrone due to an imminent transfer to Chelsea.
“Gonzalo is a great striker and player, because he helps his team to play good football and can also be lethal in the final third. I expect to see Gonzalo fired up and we’ve got to dampen that fire, because enthusiasm fuels him. If he starts creating chances, he can become devastating for our defence.
“If we manage to keep him out of the game and far away from the ball, it’s better for us. Cutrone has more energy and we need to be above all wary of crosses around him. He can be less effective away from the box, but inside it is very dangerous. We are prepared for either Higuain or Cutrone to start, or even them together.
“The fact we know Higuain so well is an advantage for us, but also for him, as he is aware of how I play. There is a special affection for Gonzalo, as for two years he was fundamental here and we are all still in contact with him. Obviously, over the 90 minutes of the match everyone is focused on their own team, but he is an atypical Number 9 in his workrate.
“Of course, in a final anything can happen and even a small incident can be decisive. We must be concentrated and realise mentality will count even more in these situations.”
Nobody embodies winning mentality more than Cristiano Ronaldo, who gets the chance to win his first piece of silverware in a Juventus jersey.
“As with all of us, he too wants to win,” smiled Chiellini. “This type of match brings the best out of him and we all expect a lot from Ronaldo, as always. He seems concentrated and eager to be decisive.”
There has been controversy over the choice of venue, not only because of the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but also the restrictions on women entering the stadium on their own or in certain sections.
“I am happy that this game can be seen as a further reason for evolution in this country, including for women, as there has been so much said about it recently. I see that as a step forward and not a problem.
“Having said that, we cannot change the world, but initiatives like this can provide a new start. I am not in a position to give an evaluation on the Saudi government, but I can say we have been given a warm welcome. I hope tomorrow can be remembered by the Saudi people as a wonderful celebration.
“We have to provide a spectacle for Italian football and hope all fans are happy with our performances.”