Beppe Marotta admits Real Madrid “are stronger on paper,” but Juventus can pull “the first of two surprises.”
The first leg of the Champions League semi-final kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Follow all the action as it happens and give your views on our LIVEBLOG.
Beppe Marotta admits Real Madrid “are stronger on paper,” but Juventus can pull “the first of two surprises.”
The first leg of the Champions League semi-final kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Follow all the action as it happens and give your views on our LIVEBLOG.
“This is an extraordinary game for us and the stadium. It is the high point of our ambitions since we opened the arena,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“There is euphoria and playing after winning the Scudetto only serves to further get everyone involved.
“Clearly on paper Real Madrid are stronger, but the great thing about football is that predictions are not always accurate and there can be surprises.
“We hope tonight will be the first of two surprises.”
Marotta was asked whether he was anxious, as this is Juve’s first Champions League semi-final since 2003.
“I was much more anxious against Fiorentina and Lazio, when there were still some uncertainties in the Serie A title race.
“We are more relaxed going into this game. We want to play this all the way with the utmost motivation.
“A match like this fires you up regardless, especially as it’s the first time for many of these lads in a Champions League semi-final.
“This kind of emotion can be an important push against players who on paper are stronger.”