Dino Zoff backs Juventus to take a result at Atletico Madrid, reflects on a potential two-horse title race and is enthused by Antonio Conte’s Italy.
Tonight in the Champions League sees Max Allegri’s Bianconeri travel out to the Spanish capital to face La Liga champions Atletico Madrid in a game the Italians’ former No 1 backs them to take something from.
“Of course it’ll be a tough game, Atletico are a strong and gutsy team,” Zoff began in conversation today with Calciomercato.com.
Dino Zoff backs Juventus to take a result at Atletico Madrid, reflects on a potential two-horse title race and is enthused by Antonio Conte’s Italy.
Tonight in the Champions League sees Max Allegri’s Bianconeri travel out to the Spanish capital to face La Liga champions Atletico Madrid in a game the Italians’ former No 1 backs them to take something from.
“Of course it’ll be a tough game, Atletico are a strong and gutsy team,” Zoff began in conversation today with Calciomercato.com.
“But I think that Juventus are at a level where they can compete in an even game and can also come away with a result.
“The Spaniards lost their first game and will be looking to make an immediate recovery, however I’m convinced that this Juventus team, at full capacity, will have its say.
“It all depends on determination, a willingness to fight – essentially its all about how they approach the battle.
“This could be the key to beating Simeone’s XI. Atletico have potential, they’re doing well in La Liga, but it’ll be rather difficult to repeat last season where they got to the business end of all the main competitions.”
Juve have begun the League season in strong form and, alongside Roma, have already developed a lead over others in the title race.
“I expected a decisive start from Juve and Roma, but the other challengers have disappointed me.
“On Sunday there will be an direct showdown between the leaders which will be important, but if the chasing pack don’t wake up, the championship is destined to be battle between only two sides.”
As a player Zoff represented the likes of Napoli, Juventus and Udinese, whilst his managerial career included stints at Lazio and Fiorentina.
“Lazio and Fiorentina have started with some problems but can aim higher up the table, the absence of key players has hit them both hard.
“Udinese have given a good account of themselves, under a young but already experienced manager.
“Napoli need to hurry up if they want to be challenging for the top spots this season.”
Zoff also took Italy to Euro 2000 and is optimistic for the Azzurri’s direction under new CT Antonio Conte.
“I’ve been impressed with him for a long time – he has all the qualities to do very well.
“The national side has already adopted his mentality – you could already see it from their first few performances.
“With Juve, Conte was exceptional and he can now use that experience to do great things with Italy.”
A final note was on Alessandro Del Piero and his latest move to India.
“By now Alex must be used to certain novelties, first in Australia and now in India, different experiences.
“In my day, I don’t think I would have moved so far away to less well-known leagues, but that was another era. If Del Piero feels its right then its right that he tries it out.”