Domenico Criscito admits Genoa need ‘half a miracle’ to beat Juventus but believes Krzysztof Piatek is already ‘a great champion’.
Criscito had a spell at Juve earlier in his career and is back at Genoa after seven years away, while Piatek has scored 13 goals in just eight appearances for the Grifone ahead of Saturday’s encounter in Turin.
Domenico Criscito admits Genoa need ‘half a miracle’ to beat Juventus but believes Krzysztof Piatek is already ‘a great champion’.
Criscito had a spell at Juve earlier in his career and is back at Genoa after seven years away, while Piatek has scored 13 goals in just eight appearances for the Grifone ahead of Saturday’s encounter in Turin.
“After seven years abroad, at Zenit St Petersburg, for me it’ll be a pleasure to face many of the players and directors I’ve stayed in touch with,” the defender told Corriere di Torino.
“Facing the seven-time champions of Italy, it’ll be very fascinating. We’ll need half a miracle to beat them.
“A very difficult match awaits us. Juve are scary with Cristiano Ronaldo. Together with PSG, they’re among the biggest favourites for the Champions League, which is the Bianconeri’s main objective.
“At the start of the season, I said they’d win every game but now I think that sooner or later they’ll drop some points. Let’s hope it happens on Saturday.
“My first game against CR7? It’s true, we’ve never crossed each other so it’ll be very nice. Cristiano is every kid’s idol, including my sons Alfredo and Alessandro, who have already asked me for his shirt.
“I met him in Dubai last year and, thanks to my former partner, we took a picture together.
“Despite his age, Cristiano remains a champion, one who lives for football, and is showing it game by game.
“Douglas Costa? We already faced each other when he was at Shakhtar and I was at Zenit. He’s a great champion, but Allegri is spoiled for choice. He can count on 23 top players.
“if he doesn’t play Douglas there will be Dybala or Bernardeschi. Two hundred percent will have to be give, and we hope to face them on a bad day.
“Piatek? Saturday will be another important test for him. Piatek has already shown himself to be a great champion, scoring 13 goals in eight games and immediately settling into a difficult League like ours.
“Knowing him, he’ll surely want to repeat that against one of the best defences in the world.
“Favilli? Andrea has the body of Vieri and a lot of quality. He had a great preseason with Juventus.
“He’s got over his physical problems and now he’s fine. We hope he scores against his former club, although it wouldn’t be bad if I scored that goal…
“Perin at Juve? Mattia knew he was leaving behind Szczesny, another great goalkeeper. He’s lost a bit of consistency at Juve but gained visibility.
“I saw Perin him grow up and he’s among the best in Italy if not in the world. I’m sure that with time, he’ll find space in the team.
“Marchisio to Zenit? We often hear from each other. I recommended him some Italian restaurants in St Petersburg, where he’s feeling very well: also because it’s not got overly cold yet.”