Cardiff is the final destination for Juve as they look to beat Real and be crowned Kings of European Football
In 1996, I Bianconeri claimed their last Champions League triumph when they beat Ajax on penalties. Since then they have lost to Borussia Dortmund (1997), Real Madrid (1998), AC Milan (2003) and most recently Barcelona (2015). It is their opponents from 1998 in which they will face as they seek revenge against the competitions most decorated side – Real Madrid.
Despite being so dominant domestically, Juventus have not had that edge with the rest of the elite for a very long time. They have been knocking on the door but are yet to be let in. Many felt 2015 was their best opportunity but the club have come racing back – like they have done on many occasions.
Massimilliano Allegri was originally a man many did not want at the helm when he was appointed in 2014, his connections to old rivals AC Milan was not ignored and the Juve faithful felt he could not live up to the expectations left by Antonio Conte.
Since then the club have gone from strength to strength. Allegri has bettered his predecessor in recent years by winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia in each one of his seasons in charge. An Italian record.
A situation many in the game did not think was possible not so long ago.
In 2006, Juventus were relegated to Serie B as a result of the match-fixing scandal that shocked the world. The club were stripped of two title wins and lost a host of stars as questions rose as to when they would eventually come back to the big time.
As Real Madrid continued to have success in Spain and in Europe, Juventus were rebuilding. After 5 years, the club made it back to the top of Italy’s top division and they have not looked back.
The team may not boast the players from yesteryear such as the likes of Platini, Charles, Thuram and Del Piero but it certainly has something different. It has Bonucci, Alex Sandro, Marchisio and Dybala who have formed a team that look unbeatable. Allegri has created a team with a solid defence and a lethal attack that has taken Europe by storm this season. Despite selling Paul Pogba last summer, the club have only got better.
Now Allegri is looking to make history in Turin by winning the treble – something that only 9 other clubs in Europe have achieved. Despite falling short on many occasions, Allegri can finally prove that he is one of the greatest managers of his era, he can put Juventus in the history books like no other manager has done before him.
This club has never been this hungry or as prepared for anything before. With the treble in mind, Juventus will be looking to be that team. This is arguably their best opportunity to put the demons to rest in Cardiff on Saturday.
Reece Hainesborough