Andrea Pirlo believes Juventus don't need a 'miracle' to beat Real Madrid, and looks forward to meeting his former Coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Bianconeri face up to Los Blancos tomorrow evening in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, and their veteran midfielder is looking forward to playing the match on even grounds.
“Real are the greatest club in the world and the most prestigious, but we have a 50 per cent chance of beating them,” Pirlo has told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Andrea Pirlo believes Juventus don't need a 'miracle' to beat Real Madrid, and looks forward to meeting his former Coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Bianconeri face up to Los Blancos tomorrow evening in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, and their veteran midfielder is looking forward to playing the match on even grounds.
“Real are the greatest club in the world and the most prestigious, but we have a 50 per cent chance of beating them,” Pirlo has told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We have gained a lot of maturity in these few years. Our international experience was beneficial for the team in general.
“In the three seasons under [Antonio] Conte we were still short of something, perhaps we weren't ready.
“This year, we have gradually developed the confidence that we could hold our own against anyone.
“We play some good football, with no fear or reverential nervousness. Yes, against Real we'll play on an equal footing until the end.
“They are a phenomenal team, stacked with incredible champions, Ronaldo above all others – he scores two-three goals per game, so come to your own conclusions about him.
“But we don't need a miracle. I'll say this again, it can be done. We'll have to be careful, but especially we need to be bold.
“We have nothing to lose, so let's pursue our dream with an open mind.”
The 35-year-old was then asked what it felt like to come across Ancelotti again, after their success together at Milan.
“It's like meeting a father. He changed my career, inventing a role for me in front of the defence.
“Together we had some unforgettable experiences. Our past together is substantial.
“As for my current Coach, Max Allegri, I'll say this again – I never had any problems with him.
“When I was in a good condition I always played. Later I decided to leave because I was after new incentives, I felt the need to take new risks for myself.
“With Juventus I found plenty of excitement and new objectives. It was the right choice – the perfect one, in fact.
“In 2006 I was sought after by Real Madrid. [Fabio] Capello wanted me. In the end I decided to renew my contract with Milan, and that year we went on to win the Champions League.
“I am very happy about my career and I'm not regretful about not having played in the Premier League or in other championships. I wore the colours of the three greatest Italian clubs.”
Finally, Pirlo was asked whether he still felt excited ahead of games like that of tomorrow.
“Yes, though not over-excited. I am driven, very driven. Nights like these can't help but fire you up.
"Watch out for us, because last year Atletico Madrid came one step away from the ultimate success."