Juventus director Fabio Paratici discusses the Champions League showdown with Porto, Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, Federico Chiesa and Dejan Kulusevski’s future as a new Kevin de Bruyne.
It kicks off at 20.00 GMT and Juve must overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat.
Click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Juventus director Fabio Paratici discusses the Champions League showdown with Porto, Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, Federico Chiesa and Dejan Kulusevski’s future as a new Kevin de Bruyne.
It kicks off at 20.00 GMT and Juve must overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat.
Click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“We have players coming back from injury, they are not at their best, but just having them there is already a good thing,” Paratici told Sky Sport Italia.
“Playing good games against competitive sides like Lazio inevitably boost confidence. This will be different, the Champions League is always more complicated, and the first leg was not a good performance, but we did concede the only two chances that Porto had.”
Paratici was asked whether Juve had discussed extending Ronaldo’s contract or considering a future without CR7.
“Fortunately, there is still a year on Ronaldo’s contract, so we have time to talk to him. That’s not a priority right now.”
Chiesa scored the precious away goal in Oporto and has quickly raised his game after the move from Fiorentina.
“It’s not easy coming to Juventus from teams that are not in the Champions League, so the first few months especially are difficult and even the great champions had that initial adjustment period.
“We were always very convinced Chiesa had the character worthy of Juve, that he would take every moment of the match and view it with the attitude that stands this club out.”
Kulusevski is on the bench this evening, having struggled to find a specific role within Andrea Pirlo’s team.
“I think Kulusevski is having a great season. He’s scored a few goals, played at a high level, but don’t forget he is only 20 years old. He is also evolving in his role and is capable of taking on different positions in different tactical systems. He has a lot of quality, stamina and pace, so he could follow the tactical footsteps of Kevin de Bruyne,” continued Paratici.
“We don’t know yet what he will become in future. He can play as a support striker, as a wide forward, in midfield. He’s very international, versatile and has these characteristics that can fit many different roles.
“Obviously, having someone with so much versatility can be very useful for a coach, especially during a period of the season when there are players out of action, but it can also be damaging when it comes to finding a role for that player.”
Sky Sport Italia pundits also cheekily asked if Paratici had considered putting Lionel Messi together with Ronaldo.
“Let’s just say that right now all of football has to evaluate things differently, so that’s improbable right now!”