Alessandro Del Piero believes Juventus players must step up to ‘change the situation’ and sees a stronger Napoli despite the departures of Kalidou Koulibaly and Lorenzo Insigne.
The Champions League campaign starts with Juventus and Milan playing away tonight. The Bianconeri are in Paris against PSG, while Milan visit RB Salzburg at the Red Bull Arena.
Del Piero concedes Juventus are not favourite at the Parc des Princes, but believes the Bianconeri must prove to be up to the task.
“A defeat wouldn’t be a drama, but a negative performance would be a big blow,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Juventus are coming from not convincing games and this can have an impact, also considering expectations. Italians should remember that it’s always possible to beat a stronger team in Europe, like Villarreal a year ago.”
The Bianconeri were eliminated from the Round of 16 in the last three years. The Yellow Submarine kicked them out of the competition last term.
The Old Lady is now dealing with many injuries and travelled to Paris without Wojciech Szczesny, Paul Pogba, Federico Chiesa and Angel Di Maria.
“Juventus are a strong team, it would be even better with Pogba and Chiesa. They are not in pole position in Europe, perhaps not even in the second row, but the ambitions are justified and almost mandatory with a group like this,” said Del Piero.
Max Allegri said last week that Juventus’ real opponents in Group H are Benfica and not PSG.
“I think he wanted to ease the pressure on the team, but I wouldn’t have run the risk of being misunderstood. Juventus remain Juventus, also in Paris,” the 2006 Italy World Cup winner said.
“Juventus have been struggling for quite some time now. It was the same with Sarri, even if he won the title and Pirlo. I can’t believe that players are affected by the situation, they are the protagonists, so they must change it. They are not the only responsible, but they can’t just stay there and wait for a sudden change or that someone will arrive to save them. They have everything to do well, in Italy and Europe.”
Milan were eliminated from the group stage last season while Inter and Napoli make their debut tomorrow against Bayern and Liverpool, respectively.
“I liked Milan last season, despite the elimination, now they have something more, like De Ketelaere and Leao who can be decisive in the Champions League.
“Inter must surely improve in defence, but I also add Lukaku. He must prove his worth in the Champions League and the partnership with Lautaro is crucial.”
Are Napoli weaker after seeing Kalidou Koulibaly join Chelsea and Insigne go to Toronto FC?
“No, on the contrary, I think Napoli are stronger. I admire Spalletti’s work, he’s had a positive attitude and the mentality worthy of a top team. Kvaratskhelia is unpredictable and has talent, he is made to play in Europe.”
Who are the favourites to win the Champions League?
“City, PSG, Real, Bayern, Liverpool and Chelsea, but I need space for Barcelona and the Italians, I hope they’ll get back like Verstappen at Spa.”