Claudio Marchisio has outlined Juventus’ respect for Benfica and asserted that motivation is what can make the difference at this stage of the season.
The Bianconeri are preparing to meet the Portuguese on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Whilst recent suggestions in Italy have been of a Juve side beginning to tire in the final stretch of the season, their No 8 believes that the desire for success will be a driving force.
Claudio Marchisio has outlined Juventus’ respect for Benfica and asserted that motivation is what can make the difference at this stage of the season.
The Bianconeri are preparing to meet the Portuguese on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Whilst recent suggestions in Italy have been of a Juve side beginning to tire in the final stretch of the season, their No 8 believes that the desire for success will be a driving force.
“Many players in this team have never won a European competition and Juventus haven't won a trophy in Europe for so many years,” Marchisio has commented in an interview with UEFA’s official website.
“When you reach this stage of the competition motivation can make the difference.
“So even if we're coming to the end of the season and our legs are beginning to feel heavy, the trophy can give you that energy to give that bit extra.”
The final this season is hosted at the club’s Juventus Stadium.
“We knew this right from the start when we began in the group stage of the Champions League.
“When we didn't qualify and moved into the knockout phase of the Europa League, the fact that the final would be at home clearly gave us an added boost.”
Before the Old Lady can dream about the final, though, they must push aside Benfica.
“We'll come up against a side that in recent years, not only in their own league but in competitions like the Europa League, have done really well, even if they have lost some finals.
“Clearly they have the experience and the players with the qualities and characteristics to cause us difficulty. We have to think about them and think of the game as another final.
“There will be two quality teams that will try and put on a spectacle in these two matches. For our part, we hope we have the right belief to reach our objective, which is to play the final in Turin.”