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JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Morata: Juventus Have ‘Super’ Defence To Stop Even Messi Jun 5, 2015 Juventus striker Alvaro Morata spoke ahead of his team’s Champions League final clash against Barcelona, confident that the Bianconeri can muzzle their attack. Morata emphasized the aspect of Juventus’ defence and remained bullish that — despite the late withdrawal of Giorgio Chiellini — the Bianconeri can stop even Lionel Messi. The Real Madrid loanee also touched on the extra motivation he feels ahead of the game against Barcelona. “Juventus have a super defence that can stop champions; even Messi,” Morata said to El Partido de las 12. “We want to play a great match and win the Champions League; we know that winning would enter us in the history books. “The idea of beating Barcelona particularly motivates me of course. I would be lying if I said it didn’t. “I grew up in Real Madrid [academy] and I still have many friends there. I have already dreamed so many times of scoring the [winning] goal in the final.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Evra To Bury Hatchet With Suarez Jun 5, 2015 Juventus defender Patrice Evra spoke ahead of the Champions League final clash against Barcelona, confirming that he plans on shaking Luis Suarez’s hand. The two players had experienced a previous altercation, with Luis Suarez having racially abused Evra and subsequently refused to shake his hand in 2012, during the pre-match ritual of a Liverpool versus Manchester United match. Evra has assured that he has has forgiven and forgotten however, and intends to focus on the game and treat Suarez as any other opponent. “I will shake Suarez’s hand,” Evra said to Tuttosport. “I do not mind him. “Tomorrow is the Champions League final; I am proud of myself and proud of who I am, and I will try to make my presence known on the field when I go up against Suarez.”

'Champions League final could be Pogba's last game for Juventus' - Agent Mino Raiola says that while the Bianconeri do not want to sell, the French "work of art" will leave Turin if another lcub makes a big enough bid. Jun 5, 2015 Paul Pogba's agent has revealed that Saturday's Champions League final could be the midfielder's last appearance in a Juventus shirt. The France international is one of the most sought-after players in world football, with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all interested in signing him. Juventus have repeatedly stated their determination to hold onto Pogba and build a team around the 22-year-old, but the player's representative, Mino Raiola, has now claimed that his client could depart after this weekend's showdown with Barcelona. "Berlin could be Pogba's last game with Juventus," the agent told Sky Sport Italia. "They don't want to sell him. Whoever wants him will have to buy him. "However, it could happen. The market is open until September 2. "He has a contract with Juventus, who have not made any moves to sell him. "Concrete offers arrived but they were brushed aside. But the price will be decided by who wants him. The price doesn't matter to someone who wants to buy a work of art. "Juventus will control the auction but it will be one of the most costly transfers in history. "He's a special player. He's already given us a glimpse of the path he's on even though we have not even seen the best of Pogba." Pogba joined Juve on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and has won three consecutive Serie A titles and one Coppa Italia with the Turin outfit.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Buffon: ‘Final was a target’ Jun 5, 2015 Gigi Buffon says Juventus were targeting the Champions League final, but admits they didn’t expect to get there this year. The Bianconeri take on Barcelona in Berlin tomorrow, and the goalkeeper spoke alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Coach Massimiliano Allegri at the pre-match Press conference. “It was definitely a target,” Buffon explained. “One which myself and my teammates set ourselves in recent years and have now been able to reach. We probably didn’t expect to get there this season, but it’s been the ideal campaign for many reasons. “The first, and most important of all, is a big change at the technical level in the Coach, who in my opinion could have gotten us to the final in the next two or three years. “Instead, it came earlier than expected, we didn’t expect it. And like all good, unexpected surprises it brings us great joy.” The Italian international also believes that the experience of the two teams will be important in handling the occasion. “The emotional aspect will be there, and it will be an important part of the game. “It’s also true that both teams have players, whether they’re young or less young, who have valuable experience which they can draw on to manage these types of situations. “I guess at the beginning, one side or the other might find it more difficult, but after those first five or 10 minutes, over the 90 minutes you’ll see two real teams and what they’ve done to reach the final.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Allegri’s Three-Year Pain: Juventus Coach Out For Barcelona Payback Max will be battling against Barca for the first time as Juve coach, but the Blaugrana put the Bianconeri tactician through some torrid times when he sat on the Rossoneri bench. Jun 5, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri’s former AC Milan sides were never able to eliminate Barcelona from Europe’s elite competition, but the now Juventus coach might have a better chance of success in Saturday night’s Champions League Final in Berlin, Germany. Allegri’s first experience in the Champions League was in 2011-12 with the Rossoneri, after winning the Serie A title in the previous season and playing against the Blaugrana in two stages of the competition. After drawing 2-2 with Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the opening Group H match, AC Milan lost 3-2 at home on the fifth matchday; but the Rossoneri were unlucky as Mark van Bommel scored an own goal and Barca superstar Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot. Both teams faced each other again in the quarter-finals and after a scoreless first leg in Spain, Barcelona emerged triumphant in Italy with a 3-1 win in the return fixture. In the following 2012-13 season, AC Milan played against Barcelona in the Round of 16 and Allegri’s side sprung a surprise in the first leg, winning 2-0 thanks to goals by Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari. The win proved nothing more than false hope though, as Barca humiliated the Milanese side 4-0 in the second leg. For the third season in a row, AC Milan once more met Barcelona; but the Catalan team did not eliminate the Milanese giants from the Champions League. Milan drew 1-1 with in their third Group H game and then lost 3-1 on matchday four, but the Rossoneri still managed to progress through to the Round of 16. They would however still be ousted by a Spanish side, on this occasion Atletico Madrid eliminating AC Milan 5-1 on aggregate; but Allegri had already been sacked by then. Despite his struggle to obtain results against Barca with the Rossoneri, Allegri should have the belief that his Juve team can beat the Blaugrana. Having a united dressing room is important and Allegri does not have to deal with any big egos or temperamental players like he did at AC Milan. Juventus don’t have feisty or mercurial players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Antonio Cassano or Mario Balotelli to keep under control. When Allegri started coaching AC Milan, there was an abundance of players who were over 30 years old such as Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Massimo Ambrosini and Clarence Seedorf. This Juventus side does not have a plethora of veterans like the Rossoneri did. Although 37-year-old Gianluigi Buffon has played frequently this season, the Bianconeri haven’t been dependant on 36-year-old Andrea Pirlo dictating the play in midfield, and 34-year-old Andrea Barzagli wasn’t hugely missed in defence. Allegri has also had a more reliable core of youngsters with Juventus than he did at AC Milan, more specifically 22-year-olds like with Stefano Sturaro bringing energy and stamina in midfield, Paul Pogba providing some flair and Alvaro Morata scoring key goals up front for the Bianconeri. AC Milan were slow and ageing under Allegri but his Juventus team doesn’t have this issue because of midfielders like Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Roberto Pereyra and Argentine striker Carlo Tevez who all provide tireless running as well. Barcelona have a star-studded attack with Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and although they are not reliant on playmaker Xavi these days, Andres Iniesta brings valuable experience in midfield and Ivan Rakitic has been a top addition. Allegri does not need to be as preoccupied with Barcelona today as it was the case with AC Milan though. He is going into battle with a stronger army this time around.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Camoranesi: ‘Juventus can win’ Jun 5, 2015 Former Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi says he thinks his old side can ‘bring home the result’ in the Champions League final. The Bianconeri face Barcelona in Berlin tomorrow night, their first final in the competition since 2003, when Camoranesi was on the losing side. “Juve are a good team, with seven or eight top-level players,” the former Italian international told Mediotiempo. “Of course, Barça are favourites because they have the experience of playing finals in recent years. Juve, however, must be proud of what they did. “To recover from Serie B by winning four consecutive Scudetti is a source of great satisfaction for the team and the fans. “What Juventus deserve credit for is being patient and building everything over two or three years, focusing on champions like Tevez, Llorente and Evra, as well as young talents like Pogba. “Going back to the Champions League final, it’s very difficult to make predictions, especially for me. “But I believe in the ability of Juve to bring home the result.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Del Piero: ‘Anything can happen’ Jun 5, 2015 Alessandro Del Piero believes Barcelona are favourites against Juventus, but ‘in a Champions League final, anything can happen’. The Bianconeri are in their first final since 2003, with club legend Del Piero having played that night, and three previous finals, winning just once. “In a Champions League final, anything can happen,” the Old Lady’s all-time top scored explained, speaking to Tuttosport. “It’s difficult to make predictions when it comes to such important matches. The team which is favourite could win, but maybe not. “As for me, I lost when we were the favourites, and won when our rivals had been predicted as favourites. That’s football, especially in finals.” Pinturicchio lauded Juve Coach Massimiliano Allegri, having brought the Turin giants to the brink of a treble in his first season. “He took over a winning team and improved it, without creating tension, gradually putting forward his principles without losing the confidence of the players. “Today Juventus have a clear game plan and are well-organised, they play well. “What will be important tomorrow? Free kicks, attacking precision from [Carlos] Tevez and [Alvaro] Morata, and the ability to keep possession to defend a good result.” Finally, the World Cup winner gave his opinion on Barça superstar Lionel Messi, but also singled out Xavi and Juve’s Andrea Pirlo for praise. “Instinct, passion, magic,” Del Piero said of Messi. “Messi is a gift to football, and we’re lucky to be around to enjoy him as he deserves. “Xavi and Pirlo? Two unique players, two real phenomena. It was great to play with them and against them.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus vs. Barcelona: Champions League Final 2015 Start Time and Top X-Factors Jun 5, 2015 It isn't often that the UEFA Champions League final features a David versus Goliath matchup, but that is certainly the feeling entering Saturday's contest as an underdog Juventus squad will look to knock off dominant Barcelona. Juve aren't pushovers by any means, but few expected them to reach this point. They upset Real Madrid in the semifinals, and they now have an opportunity to do something similar to Barca. If they are going to make that happen, though, they will need big-time contributions from some unexpected sources. The same can be said for the Blaugrana, however, as they can't necessarily expect the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to do all the heavy lifting. As the biggest event in European soccer approaches, here is all the vital information needed to view the Champions League final, as well as further analysis regarding the top X-factors to watch. Top X-Factors to Watch Andrea Barzagli When Juventus take the pitch against arguably the most dynamic attacking team in the world Saturday, tidy defending will be of the utmost importance. Keeping Barcelona off the scoreboard and pushing the match to penalty kicks may ultimately be the best course of action for Juve. If it is going to do that, though, it will have to press on without center back Giorgio Chiellini, who suffered a torn leg muscle, according to Juventus.com. The Bianconeri will have to find a replacement, and although he is coming off a foot injury in his own right, Andrea Barzagli appears to be the likeliest option. Assuming the 34-year-old veteran is in form, CNN's Tancredi Palmeri doesn't believe Juventus will experience much of a drop off: Tancredi Palmeri @tancredipalmeri If Barzagli will be recovered, Juventus won't miss at all Chiellini. If he won't, well then it gets very very very very hard Adam Digby of beIN Sports took it one step further by suggesting that Juve will actually be better off with Barzagli in the fold over Chiellini: Adam Digby @Adz77 Honest opinion? If Barzagli is 100%, pairing him with Bonucci is fielding Juve's best two central defenders this year There is no question that Chiellini has enjoyed some moments of brilliance, but the Italian defender also has a penchant for making a mess of things at times. One mistake could prove deadly against Barcelona, and Barzagli is less likely to commit a miscue. It is fair to wonder about Barzagli's mobility due to the nature of his previous injury and the fact that Barcelona are so speedy and athletic up front. There will be a ton of pressure put on Barzagli and Juventus' defense as a whole, but if he is able to hold up, then Le Zebre will have a chance to pull off the upset. Ivan Rakitic On a team that boasts the likes of Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Andre Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and so many others, it is quite easy to get overlooked. Even so, it cannot be denied that midfielder Ivan Rakitic's play is a big reason why Barcelona have made it this far. The 27-year-old Croatian has done a little bit of everything for Barca this season from defending to passing and chipping in with goals. Squads that are littered with stars need glue to bring everything together, and Rakitic is undoubtedly that type of player. He also seems to have the proper mentality entering the Champions League final. There are times when heavy favorites take an apprehensive approach due to the pressure that is being heaped upon them, but Rakitic doesn't intend to allow that to happen Saturday, according to FC Barcelona's official Twitter account: FC Barcelona ✔@FCBarcelona "We have a lot of respect for Juventus. We will try to take the game to them" - Rakitic Rakitic is an underrated part of Barca's attack since he isn't as celebrated as many of his teammates, but he could easily turn out to be one of the primary keys to success against Juventus. Barcelona needs someone to make all the little, unnoticed plays that contribute to winning a game, and Rakitic has prided himself on doing that all year long. Even if he doesn't steal the headlines after Saturday's match, there is a good chance that he will be among the biggest reasons why Barcelona wins if it is ultimately able to come through. Gianluigi Buffon There are times when goalkeeping is overlooked in soccer since a great overall team can often compensate for average play in net, but Juventus won't have that luxury Saturday as they will need a massive effort from Gianluigi Buffon. Despite being 37 years of age, the Italian star is seemingly still on top of his game. He will almost certainly get peppered by Barcelona's cavalcade of talent, which means the entire match could ultimately rest on his shoulders. One thing working in his favor is the fact that he is no stranger to the big stage. According to ESPN FC, Buffon is the only current Juve player who was on their Champions League squad 12 years ago as well: ESPN FC ✔@ESPNFC Gianluigi Buffon is the only remaining member of the Juventus squad that made it to the #UCLfinal in 2003. He also helped lead Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, which means he has seen and done it all, so it isn't likely that he'll lose his composure under duress. Buffon isn't putting any extra pressure on himself either. Many believe this is his final opportunity to become a Champions League winner due to his age, but he isn't among them, per the Champions League's official Twitter account: Champions League ✔@ChampionsLeague Buffon: "Berlin is not my last chance to win it, simply because I will not quit playing after this final." Despite his contention, there is no question that Buffon will do everything within his power to win Saturday since time clearly isn't on his side. It may take one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in the history of soccer for the Bianconeri to upend Barca, but Buffon may be one of the few players in the world capable of providing it. A top goalkeeper can be the great equalizer in soccer, and Buffon's play will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Champions League final.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Allegri's Berlin battle plan A glance into Coach Max Allegri’s past proves he knows how to overcome Barcelona and Luis Enrique, explains Gaby McKay. Jun 5, 2015 It’s fair to say Massimiliano Allegri wasn’t given the warmest of welcomes when he arrived at Juventus last summer. “The first day with Allegri and the President in the car, we were greeted at the training ground by spitting, eggs and kicks,”Bianconeri director general Giuseppe Marotta recalls. “It was a challenge to turn that attitude around.” It was a task to which Allegri rose with aplomb, guiding the Turin giants to a fourth successive Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, as well as conquering the final frontier by masterminding a Champions League run which will see the Old Lady compete for the ultimate prize in Berlin on Saturday night. While most pundits have Barcelona down as comfortable favourites, it’s worth noting that the Tuscan Coach has overcome these opponents before. In February 2013, a Milan side containing the likes of Kevin Constant and Sulley Muntari faced off against Andres Iniesta, Xavi and the rest. No-one gave the Rossoneri a prayer, especially with Lionel Messi in the midst of a season which would see him go on to score 60 goals in 50 games. The Argentine is in similarly lethal form this season, but a look back to that night gives some indication of how Allegri may seek to subdue the diminutive genius. Rather than attempting to have defenders rob Messi of the ball - an almost impossible task, as the likes of Jerome Boateng will testify - the Coach instead opted for the physical presence of Muntari and Massimo Ambrosini in midfield, with Kevin-Prince Boateng dropping back to help. The idea was to starve Messi in the attacking third, concentrating on preventing the ball reaching the attacker, rather than stopping the player himself. It worked. Where in the group stage Messi had received the ball an average of 33 times per game in the attacking third, the Rossoneri limited him to just 18, despite only having 28 per cent of possession. A frustrated Messi didn’t manage a single shot on target, and the Diavolo ran out 2-0 winners. A similar approach was deployed by Joachim Low’s Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, allowing Argentina’s superstar to receive the ball just eight times in their third, meaning that while his dribbling and passing was better than his tournament average, he was working his magic far from Manuel Neuer’s goal. With Carlos Tevez always willing to drop back and aid the significant physical contribution offered by Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, don’t be surprised to see a similar tactic used to thwart Barça’s main man in Berlin. Allegri has also enjoyed success against his opposite number, Luis Enrique, as his Milan side defeated the Spaniard’s Roma twice in 2011-12. On both occasions the Giallorossi enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but were undone by a physical Milan side which broke quickly, before using Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s considerable presence to bully the Lupi defence. Ibra scored four goals in the two games, as Allegri’s men triumphed 3-2 and 2-1. While that Roma side could not call on the talents of Messi, or indeed Luis Suarez or Neymar, it would not be a surprise to see Juve similarly surrender the ball for long periods before looking to break quickly and exploit Barcelona’s high line. “We’ll need to be compact and keep it tight. We need to focus exclusively on knuckling down and working hard, not on what might happen,”Allegri confirmed this week. “Marking Messi while he moves is a near impossible task. We must be smart in working around him.” As his Milan showed in 2013, those are not idle remarks, but indication of a concrete plan which may just see the man who was greeted with eggs on his arrival soaked in champagne on Saturday night.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) 'I knew immediately I would miss dream final' - Chiellini The defender will miss Saturday's showdown with Barcelona with a calf injury, admitting that it would have been impossible for him to recover in time. Jun 5, 2015 Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that he knew his dream of playing in the Champions League final would be snatched away from him as soon as he broke down in training on Thursday. The Juventus defender was set to line up against Barcelona in Saturday’s showpiece, but suffered a calf injury two days ahead of the tournament decider in Berlin. “I immediately realised the importance of the injury," Chiellini wrote on Twitter. "I hoped to be wrong or to be able to recover in record time as I have already done other times, but this time it was really impossible. “Playing the Champions League final is a dream that me and millions of children have had, but sometimes destiny is weird.” However, the Italy international was quick to send a rallying cry to his team-mates and the Juve supporters across the world. “Juventus is made of great men and players, I’m sure my team will fight more on the field than ever," the 30-year-old added. "They will show the world the grit, the strength and the determination I would have put into this final and all together we will be able to achieve this dream. “My friends, I will be with you tomorrow to cheer and suffer for the one and only goal… Win this cup!!!” Chiellini was an ever-present in Juve’s run to the Champions League final.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Paul Scholes: 'Juventus will need to counter-attack in order to beat Barcelona' Jun 5, 2015 Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has insisted that Juventus will need to play an adroit counter-attacking game if they are to beat Barcelona in the 2015 Champions League final. United were on the receiving end of a humbling defeat when they tried to play Barcelona at their own game in 2011, and Scholes has suggested that Juve will instead need to defend well and look to attack on the break if they are to stand a chance of winning. "I don't see any alternative for Juventus," Scholes wrote in his column for the Independent. "You try to beat this Barcelona team at their own game and, over the course of 10 games, you lose every time. Defend against them and then counter-attack, and perhaps you win once or twice in 10." "It is not a pleasant reality to have to face but it is one that you must accept if you are to have a chance of winning a final against Barcelona." The Old Lady will be seeking to claim their first Champions League crown since 1996 when they face Barca in Berlin on Saturday night.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) The road to the Champions League final for Juventus and Barcelona Ahead of the big match in Berlin, Goal takes a look at the route to the final for Europe's two best teams of 2014-15. Jun 5, 2015 A total of 77 teams from 53 associations entered the 2014-15 Champions League and only two remain. On Saturday, Juventus and Barcelona will battle it out in Berlin for Europe's premier club title. The Bianconeri are surprise finalists having initially struggled in their group. Despite opening Group A with a 2-0 win over Malmo, they suffered consecutive 1-0 losses to Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos. But they sneaked into the last 16 in second place behind Atletico by taking seven points from their last three games. Barcelona, meanwhile, have been outstanding throughout the competition. The Blaugrana topped Group F with 15 points and goals from their six games, although they did suffer a 3-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in France on matchday two. In the knockouts, both Juve and Barca had interesting journeys to the final. Check out their routes in the below graphic.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Messi doesn't scare us - Morata The Juventus striker insists that, while his team-mates have a great deal of respect for the Argentine, they are not worried about the thought of facing him in Berlin. Jun 5, 2015 Alvaro Morata says the prospect of facing Lionel Messi in the Champions League final does not scare him and his Juventus team-mates. The Bianconeri face Barcelona on Saturday in the European showpiece at the Olympiastadion in Berlin and, while Morata accepts that Messi is one of the world’s greatest players, he insists there is no fear in the Turin side's dressing room. "He does not scare us, other things in life scare me," Morata told Marca. "We all respect Messi and he is one of the best players in the world. He and Cristiano Ronaldo are above everyone else, but we have a great defence that he has to negotiate." The former Real Madrid striker admits his previous spell with Real Madrid makes the match-up with Barcelona an even greater event. "I would be lying if I said it is not a special motivation. I grew up at Real Madrid and played their a long time. I have many friends there and a Juventus victory would make both camps happy." Morata came on as a substitute in Madrid's final victory in 2014, and he says the experience is one he would love to repeat. "Our team is very motivated. We know it is a Champions League final and we could make football history by winning. Playing a Champions League final is a special feeling. We know it will be very difficult to win because we face a team that is in great form and I think we will have to play a great game to win. "They have a great team. We have a chance to win, but they are the favourites."

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) How Juventus' Diamond Can Stop Barcelona's Messi-Suarez-Neymar Attack Jun 5, 2015 The curtain is about to come down on the 2014-15 season, but first of all, the biggest prize in the European game needs to be awarded to the side who will rightly be crowned as the best around, with the Champions League final seeing Juventus against Barcelona. Regardless of the result, both teams have had compelling, exciting and memorable campaigns thus far, with both now chasing trebles having won both league and cup in their respective domestic divisions. For Juventus, Serie A dominance might be an expected eventuality, but as Bayern Munich showed, even the very good, the very dominant, don't necessarily extend that superiority into European competition. Juve's campaign has exceeded most people's expectations, and nobody can say they have had an easy passage, having seen off Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Real Madrid en route to the final. That said, Barcelona will start as favourites in most people's eyes, and perhaps rightly so. La Liga is stronger overall than Serie A, and the Catalan club have one of the most balanced, focused and offensive-minded sides constructed. Even so, is the difference as great as is being made out? Juventus did, after all, beat Real Madrid in the semi-finals. In two fixtures against the winners of this very competition a year ago, Juve didn't lose on either occasion: a 1-1 draw away and a 2-1 win at home against the side who finished the league season only two points behind Saturday's opponents, Barcelona. Juventus have no reason to fear Barca, even if the Blaugrana are overall the technically better team, and can be justifiably confident that they can keep the vaunted three-pronged attack of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez at bay. Part of that confidence will stem from Real not being able to break Juve's defence down consistently. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice over the two legs, but aside from him being one of the world's best, one was a penalty and the other came from a yard out. Real saw lots of the ball in promising areas but didn't really create great swathes of outstanding, clear-cut chances—and this is a team who scored almost 120 goals in league play alone, with another 24 in the Champions League. Against Barcelona, the 90 minutes will require even more concentration, positional awareness and tactical cohesion from the Italian side to keep the South American front three under wraps. Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri typically uses one of two systems: a back three with wing-backs, or the system they went with in both the Champions League semi-finals and the Coppa Italia final, the midfield diamond. Given the psychological ramifications of admitting that an opponent in a final is superior and the fact Juve have already proved they can create and score against a top opponent, going with the diamond again seems the more sensible and likely approach, with the option always there to revert to three at the back if needed. The four-man midfield still leaves plenty of space for the full-backs to push on in attack, while the likely arrangement in the middle will see Andrea Pirlo central, Paul Pogba to the left, Arturo Vidal on the opposite side and Claudio Marchisio with more intent to pick up the ball further upfield. It is a hard-working, technically blessed quartet with power and energy aplenty distributed across the pitch. Tactically, without possession the Bianconeri will often settle into a flat three across a narrow area, closing out space and Marchisio dropping in whichever side he is needed to further stop through-ball opportunities by the opposition. That will be of particular importance against Barcelona, on account of their main methods of attack. The at-times unstoppable trio of Neymar, Suarez and Messi have not just the work rate and talent between them, but also positional rotation and Messi's playmaking in deeper areas. Because Suarez occupies the centre-backs by himself, constantly moving and opening his body to receive a pass facing goal or quickly link play, other defensive players have to become involved to stop the wider Barcelona frontmen. So often this year it has been seen: Messi drops from the wing into the channel, into an attacking midfield position slightly right of centre, while Neymar drives on through the defence to create a diagonal. The quality and timing the two have in that movement has caught out so many back lines as to almost be a set piece play which the opposition know is coming, but still can't do anything about. To stop that, and the inevitable shooting chance it creates, the wide Juve midfielders become paramount: Pogba dropping deep to negate Messi dropping into that space to dribble into the box or chip his pass over, while either Marchisio or Vidal will have to track the run of Neymar—or at the very least drop into the space to block off the run. If right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner is charged with actually tracking the Neymar run, Vidal could spend a lot of time as a stop-gap right-back to subsequently mark or block off the secondary threat from Jordi Alba. It's not all about the front three for Barcelona, of course. Ivan Rakitic has been, almost from the first game of the season, an absolutely pivotal part of this reformation of the Catalan club. He will pass earlier and more directly, he will run further beyond the forwards, and he will shoot from range at times—all dynamic aspects of play that Pirlo will have to deal with. Going forward, Juventus can be as expansive and entertaining as many sides with the offensive qualities possessed in that quartet, even before considering the likes of Carlos Tevez up front. They cannot, however, go toe-to-toe with Barcelona in trading attacks and expect to lift the trophy. First they must stifle the flow and movement of the Blaugrana attack; only then will chances to exploit spaces in turn be presented to them. In Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio and Pirlo, the Italian side have four technical players of immense ability, but it is their tactical dedication, endurance and focus in a defensive capacity that will dictate whether Juve can even begin to challenge for the trophy this time, or whether Messi and Co. will be out of reach long before the final whistle goes.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) The second coming of Juventus Ripped apart in the summer of 2006, Juventus had to start again with the remaining heroes of Berlin and stars of tomorrow. Luca Cetta writes. Jun 5, 2015 Nine years on from winning the World Cup, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli are back at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. A venue which holds precious memories and could well be the scene of yet another. Of the trio only Buffon wore black and white in 2006. Only he experienced the highs of Berlin and weeks later fronted up at Rimini’s Stadio Romeo Neri for the start of the Serie B campaign. Only Buffon can attest to going from ‘Berlin to Serie B to Berlin again’. And so when referee Jonas Eriksson signalled the end of a gripping semi-final tie at the Bernabeu last month Buffon turned to the away support high up in the stands, fists clenched, roaring with joy. The hard times of a near decade-long recovery traded for an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. While Barzagli and Pirlo arrived in the embryonic stages of the rebirth, Buffon’s journey best typifies the at-times arduous journey. “I’m going back to Berlin after nine years. And I am curious to see whether the feelings and sensations will be the same. But I don't think there will be big differences to nine years ago,” Buffon mused this week. On that day eight Juventus players were involved in the World Cup Final. Another three were former Bianconeri players. Only Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero walked out in Rimini in early September. Mauro Camoranesi was a substitute and David Trezeguet was not in the squad. Beset by summer departures, Juve returning to their former level would be a significant undertaking. That quartet, plus Pavel Nedved, would form the backbone. Nedved retired in 2009, while Trezeguet and Camoranesi departed a year later as Juve turned the page. Then came Del Piero’s tearful farewell in 2012. But the club would also need to place faith in tomorrow. Part of a squad which visited some of Italy’s less heralded stadia that season were Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio. Buffon, Chiellini and Marchisio – a season on loan at Empoli aside – have seen the journey through. All three were significant in Juventus wresting domestic dominance from the Milanese clubs. Along the way Buffon’s comrades from the German campaign arrived, Barzagli and Pirlo also proving important figures. With promotion came, initially, positivity. Juventus immediately returned to the Champions League and then finished second in Serie A. But this was not the Bianconeri of old on and off the field. Ill-conceived transfers hurt. The club was not in the greatest financial shape, at the time financing the construction of its new home and still feeling the after-effects of 2006. After finishing seventh in a disastrous campaign, changes at board level set to put the Old Lady’s straight. The Andrea Agnelli era started slowly, but with the arrival of Antonio Conte a year later the resurgence was well and truly on course. The former captain demanded success. Conte knew no other way. He had the senators in tow and shrewd signings ensured a squad capable of challenging for the Scudetto. Juventus did more than just challenge. Conte steered the club to three successive championships, going undefeated in the first and breaking the 100-point barrier in the third. Europe was the next step. While Conte’s shock resignation could have rocked Juve, Massimiliano Allegri delivered on their considerable promise. In the knockout phase the Bianconeri grew in stature to defeat Borussia Dortmund and Monaco. Eliminating Real Madrid announced to the world the Turin club was again a force. Juventus had qualified for a first Final since 2003. All the while Allegri led it to a first domestic double since 1995. Just one more obstacle stands in Juve’s way of an historic treble, even if Buffon acknowledges this is the toughest test yet: “Against Real we might have had a 35 per cent chance of making it past them, so I guess the chances of now winning the trophy against this Barcelona side are even slimmer.” Berlin proved the culmination of one era. The same city could provide a defining moment in this latest era for a club which fought back from the brink. For those about to warm up in the same dressing room as nine years ago there will be fond memories. While one step remains, there’s no doubting Juventus is back.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Maldini: 'Juve, Messi tips scales' Jun 5, 2015 Paolo Maldini backs Juventus for the Champions League final, but is in awe of Leo Messi. The Bianconeri will be facing Barcelona tomorrow evening for their biggest game in years, and the Milan legend knows which side he'll be on. “I'm certainly going to be supporting Juve,” he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “I have friends in that team. “I've had everything from life, and while banter is fun, I'm not the type to hope for somebody's defeat. “And Buffon deserves the Champions League. He is the strongest goalkeeper of the last 30 years, an icon for world football. “He's always smiling, always chilled. Sometimes he gets criticised for no other reason than his age. “Mistakes that would be forgiven when he was younger now are not, I know that by experience.” When it comes to the final, however, Maldini agrees with most bookmakers that Barcelona walk in as favourites. “Leo Messi tips the scales, that's beyond question. “I think he's reached and surpassed Maradona. He does incredible things, at a speed that is insane. “But Juventus in Europe are the best at defending themselves as a team. They have a chance. “And their great results so far are a prize for the solid plans developed by the club. “Barcelona's attack? It's always best to face an exceptional team. If you can beat them, it makes for an epic triumph.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Preview: Champions League final - Juventus vs. Barcelona Jun 5, 2015 Berlin hosts the Champions League final for the first time this Saturday as the European season comes to a conclusion at the Olympiastadion with a battle between the champions of Italy and Spain. Both Juventus and Barcelona have already done the domestic league-and-cup double and will be hoping to complete a memorable treble in the German capital. Juventus The Old Lady have been the dominant side in Serie A for four seasons, this year winning the league by 17 points - the same margin they had to Roma a year ago. However, until this term they have disappointed on the European stage in recent years. This is their first Champions League final for 12 years since the defeat to AC Milan at Old Trafford in 2003. They haven't won Europe's elite competition since 1996 when they beat Ajax on penalties in Rome. That was their second victory in the competition and if they triumph on Saturday they will become the ninth side with at least three European titles. In all competitions and the Champions League, Masimilliano Allegri's side are unbeaten in nine games and they are desperately hoping not to become the first team to lose in the final of the European Cup/Champions League six times. Their route to the final has included victories in the knockout stages over Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and, most notably, last year's winners Real Madrid in the semi-finals. A Barca-Real El Clasico showdown was expected in Berlin, but Allegri's side upset the odds with a 3-2 aggregate victory against Los Blancos. In fact, the Old Lady will have played all of Spain's big three in this year's competition after being draw with Atletico Madrid in the group stage. Four of Juve's squad - Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan 2003, 2007), Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez (Manchester United 2008) and Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid 2014) - have Champions League final-winning experience. Talismanic goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is the sole survivor of their last final appearance in 2003, when Pirlo was on the opposing side. Recent Champions League form: WWWDWD Recent form (all competitions): DDWWWD Barcelona Barca wrapped up their fith La Liga title in seven years by finishing two clear of Clasico rivals Real this season. On Saturday they added the Copa del Rey with a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao. They are appearing in their first final since 2011 with arguably the greatest ever club squad and perhaps the best player to ever kick a football. Lionel Messi's solo effort to open the scoring on Saturday was arguably the finest goal of his career. A goal for the Argentinian wizard this weekend would take him above Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time Champions League scoring charts - they are currently both on 77. He would also become the first player to score in three separate finals if he finds the net after bagging goals in the 2009 and 2011 victories over Man United. The Catalans' deadly front three of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have scored a whopping 120 goals between them in all competitions this term, surpassing the 118 Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain managed for Real in 2011-12. Barca are in the final following victories over Manchester City (3-1), Paris Saint-Germain (5-1) and Bayern Munich (5-3) in the knockout stages. After a sensational 3-0 win over Bayern in the first leg, Barca lost the second leg 3-2 and that put an end to a nine-game winning streak in Europe. Still, they will enter the match as favourites. Like opposite number Allegri, Enrique is trying to complete the treble in his first season in charge. Recent Champions League form: WWWWWL Recent form (all competitions): WWLWDW Team News The big news that emerged on Thursday is that Juve centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will not be fit for Saturday's showpiece and a reunion with Suarez after the Uruguayan bit him at last year's World Cup. The warrior-like centre-back hasn't recovered in time from a calf injury and his absence will be a huge blow to Allegri, who is already without Martin Caceres and might also be unable to call upon Andrea Barzagli. The latter returned to training yesterday but is not 100% fit and the Turin side will either have to risk the 34-year-old, or instead opt for Angelo Ogbonna, who has played just once in the Champions League this season, in Chiellini's place. Allegri has no worries further forward and is likely to start Alvaro Morata with Carlos Tevez in attack after the former scored in both legs of the semi-final against former club Real. As for Barca, Enrique will probably name the same XI that started both legs of the semi-final against Bayern. They have eight survivors from their 2011 winning squad and it is likely that six of them - Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Busquets and Messi - will start. Xavi and Pedro are the other two. Xavi will make his 767th and final appearance for the club if he plays, but a start seems unlikely for the Spanish veteran who has predominantly come off the bench in Europe this season. Juve possible starting lineup: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra; Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal; Morata, Tevez Barca possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi Referee: Cuneyt Cakir Head To Head The duo's only previous Champions League meeting was in the 2003 quarter-finals, when Juve won in extra time at the Camp Nou thanks to a 114th-minute goal from Marcelo Zalayeta before going on to lose to Milan in the final. They have met on eight total occasions in European competition. Juve lead the head-to-head record with four wins to two (D2). If Juve win on Saturday they will join an illustrious list of treble winners - Celtic (1967), Ajax (1972), PSV Eindhoven (1988), Manchester United (1999), Barcelona (2009), Inter Milan (2010) and Bayern Munich (2013). A Barca victory, meanwhile, would be the first time in European club history that a team has done the league, cup and European treble on more than one occasion. Both sides will appear in their eighth Champions League final, with Juve winning just two of their previous seven and Barca claiming victory in four. In fact, Barca have won their last three finals in 2006, 2009 and 2011 - all against English opposition (Arsenal once and Manchester United twice) - while Juve have lost their last three finals. Italian and Spanish sides have met in the final on seven occasions before, with the Spaniards winning five of those meetings. The last was in 1998 when Juve fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real in Amsterdam. This is the first time that the final has been held in June. We say: Juve 1-3 Barca Juve have finally brought their A-game from the league to Europe, but it's a huge task to overcome this Barcelona outfit. Beating holders Real in the semis was some feat and the Old Lady will no doubt enter the match full of confidence. However, they are light at the back and Chiellini's absence could be huge. Barca's MSN front three will fancy adding to their humungous 2014-15 total goal tally and we think it will be a fifth Champions League title for the La Liga side.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Marquez: Pogba has been Juventus' most impressive player The former Barcelona defender believes the Frenchman has risen above even the likes of Carlos Tevez and Gianluigi Buffon as his team seeks to complete a treble. Jun 5, 2015 Paul Pogba is the Juventus player most capable of hurting Barcelona in the Champions League final according to their former defender Rafael Marquez. The Italian side are expected to face a battle to hold on to Pogba after Saturday's clash in Berlin and Marquez, who now plays for Hellas Verona, believes he has risen above even the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and Carlos Tevez. "The player of Juventus who has most impressed me is Pogba because of the maturity he shows on the pitch despite his youth," Marquez told Goal. "He's made a difference to the team, obviously helped by Tevez, Buffon and [Andrea] Pirlo, but maybe as a reference I would make Pogba the most impressive of the Juventus players."

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Laudrup Fears Juventus Can’t Stop Barcelona Trident Jun 5, 2015 Former Danish international Michael Laudrup has weighed in with his own views on tomorrow’s Champions League final between former clubs Juventus and Barcelona. The ex-Swansea City manager featured for both clubs during his glittering career, tasting success in Spain as well as in Italy. “Barcelona are the favourites as they have so much squad depth,” he told Danish media outlet DR. “I’m certain they will want to dominate the match right from the start and will force Juventus into defending. “Lionel Messi is just special, but even if Juve manage to stop him they still have to deal with Neymar and Luis Suarez who can both decide any match. “Stopping all three for 90 minutes is impossible.” Laudrup is currently coaching Qatar side Lekhwiya and lead his team to a domestic league and cup double in his first season.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Can Messi, Neymar and Suarez be stopped by Juventus in UCL final? Jun 5, 2015 Of all the individual and collective goal-scoring statistics concerning Barcelona's front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, the most telling figure has barely been mentioned. It's simple: the proportion of goals scored by Barcelona's forwards, and it has never been higher. In 2008-09, Pep Guardiola's first season as manager, 71 percent of Barcelona's league goals were scored by forwards. It was 72 percent the next season, before falling to 67 percent in his third campaign. From there, it gradually rose again: 69 percent in Guardiola's final campaign in 2011-12, 70 percent under Tito Vilanova, and 75 percent under Gerardo Martino. This season has seen a staggering rise. Now, 90 percent of Barcelona's goals are scored by their forwards. It underlines the shift toward a team almost totally dominated by its front three. That figure, it should be noted, takes into account goals scored by the understudies, Pedro Rodriguez, Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez. But the vast majority, of course, are courtesy of Messi, Suarez and Neymar, the most devastating front trio in recent memory who have scored 106 overall goals in the league and Champions League between them. They fit together quite wonderfully. Everything works nicely: They originate from the three major South American footballing nations, they line up wearing Nos. 9 (Suarez), 10 (Messi) and 11 (Neymar). They're all brilliant goal scorers, but also notable for their selflessness in possession. You might expect Andres Iniesta to be playing the decisive passes for the front three, but the midfielder has, amazingly, recorded only one league assist and four in the Champions League all season. The assists (46 overall in the league and Champions League), as well as the goals, come from the forwards -- all three are playmakers as well as goal scorers. This is a front three capable of destroying almost any opponent. The optimum word, though, is "almost." Somewhat surprisingly, no fewer than six opponents this season have faced Messi, Suarez and Neymar and managed to prevent all three from scoring. The roll of honour is: Celta Vigo, Valencia, Real Sociedad (for half an hour with Messi and Neymar coming on as subs), Malaga, Celta Vigo again, and only one club in the Champions League, Manchester City. The first thing to note is that all six of these games finished 1-0, with three Barcelona defeats, and three victories when Sergio Busquets, Jeremy Mathieu and Ivan Rakitic (members of the "other 10 percent," if you like) were on hand to provide the only goal. It might sound simplistic, but Juventus' best chance of stopping Barcelona's front three in Saturday's Champions League final is to ensure the game isn't open, end-to-end and full of chances. A game with five goals will favour Barcelona. A game with only one goal, and Juventus could cause a shock. The second thing to note is attempting to work out precisely what Celta Vigo were up to. Their success against Barca's front trio was, in truth, a bit of everything: some brave defending high up the pitch, some last-ditch scrappiness in their own box, and a decent helping of fortune, too. In their first game against Barca in November, a shock 1-0 victory at the Camp Nou, Barcelona hit the woodwork four times. Messi and Neymar twice each. Celta's second performance was also encouraging, despite their 1-0 loss in April. It was a more positive display that involved taking the game to Barca, and depending upon good individual performances from their centre-back pairing, who played relatively high up the pitch. The interesting thing here is that both their centre-backs knew Messi well. Andreu Fontas was a young understudy at Barca for three seasons (current Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, interestingly, was the man who converted him from a midfielder into a centre-back when he coached at Barcelona B) and Gustavo Cabral won the World U20 Championship with Messi back in 2005. Of course, plenty of players have been familiar with Messi, and still not been able to stop him. Nevertheless, perhaps this experience gave them the confidence to play an aggressive defensive line. The positioning of the backline is probably Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri's most important decision. Juve simply can't play too high up the pitch, because the pace of Barcelona's attackers will destroy them. But dropping needlessly deep isn't a viable strategy either, because the Spanish champions' dominance will eventually break them down. Messi is a genius in tight spaces, his ability to change direction suddenly making him a master poacher, while Suarez has a handy knack of aggressively barging past defenders while dribbling, somehow collecting deflections and ricochets when the ball appeared lost. The unfortunate loss of Giorgio Chiellini due to a calf injury might encourage Juventus to play slightly higher up the pitch. Chiellini is Juve's defensive leader, but his game has gradually changed over the years. Physically he now struggles against sheer pace, outwitted last year in the Champions League by Cristiano Ronaldo in the channel, and struggling badly against Costa Rica's Joel Campbell at last summer's World Cup. Chiellini would have wanted to play deep against Suarez, and concentrated on winding him up, as he did before last summer's infamous biting incident. His likely replacement, Andrea Barzagli, isn't the quickest either. But he's arguably superior in his reading of the game, a more intelligent defender who is capable of powerful challenges and niggly defending, but doesn't regard it as the natural approach. Alongside Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus' centre-back pairing will be calm and composed, and that's probably the best approach for playing against Barcelona. Juve must also remain disciplined in midfield. While they will start with a diamond midfield on paper, it's likely that quartet will flatten into a more conventional midfield four with Arturo Vidal dropping in alongside Andrea Pirlo, and Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba covering wider areas. Expect them to stay narrow and compact, much like Atletico Madrid, and prevent easy passes being played into the dangerous front three. Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta will have plenty of the ball, but Juventus will accept them having possession in front of them -- they don't want to be penetrated from behind. Last, but not least, Juventus need a huge performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has never faced Messi before. While still world-class, Buffon has allowed errors to creep into his game over the past couple of seasons, and must be absolutely flawless in Berlin, on a ground where he has won the World Cup in 2006. Even that might not be enough. In Barcelona's previous Champions League final, a 3-1 victory over Manchester United in 2011, the "MVP" front three of Messi, David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez all scored. Don't bet against something similar happening this time -- Barcelona aren't as good overall, but their attacking trio is better.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Xavi: 'Juve, dangerous final' Jun 5, 2015 Barcelona's Xavi believes the Champions League final against Juventus will be 'closer than it looks'. The Blaugrana are generally viewed as favourites in tomorrow's highly-anticipated game, but the 35-year-old feels they shouldn't take their opponents lightly. “It's a dangerous final,” he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Everybody thinks that Barca is going to win but Juventus have an exceptional squad. “I have a theory that when a team wins two, three, four titles in a row, there's nothing accidental about it. “I know some people think that Juventus win the Scudetto with ease and therefore with no great merit, but that's what it looks like because they do things the right way. “They're strong, they defend well, they have a great keeper, they control the rhythm of the game, they can play with and without the ball, they have experience and talent. “And they have players like Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, who've been playing and winning together for many years. “I see them as a great family. I don't know them, but I'm sure that's what it's like. “They're a winning team, and when you're like that, you really hate to lose.” The Spanish playmaker then went on to discuss the merits of his own team. “The presence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez affects us. We used to take 30-40 passes to dominate, now we no longer need so many touches. “They generate numerical superiority simply by beating their opponent. We used to have no-one but Messi who could do that, and sometimes Andrés Iniesta. “Otherwise it took a pass from myself or Sergio Busquets. “Now we have Neymar and Suarez, and we're even more dangerous. “It kills an opponent because they don't know whether to hold back or press forwards. “If they press, we can play some direct football and stab them, as against Bayern [Munich on May 6, 3-0 for Barca]. “If they let us play, then they let us do something we've already been doing for 15 years. “That said, this goes for Juve too. If you wait for them you're taking a risk, because they play some excellent football, they have Pirlo, Marchisio, Vidal, Pogba and some fast wingers. “But if you press them, the speed of Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez can become decisive. “I see a closer final than what people think.” “Pirlo said he'll leave Juventus if he wins the Champions League? Let's hope he loses then, for the good of football!”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Why Arturo Vidal Will Be Key to Champions League Final Victory for Juventus Jun 5, 2015 Having reached the European Cup or Champions League final on no fewer than seven previous occasions, Juventus will hope to improve on their poor record when this year’s edition gets underway on Saturday evening. Winning just twice—with their last victory coming in 1996—the Bianconeri will undoubtedly be huge underdogs for this clash with Barcelona. Yet having enjoyed some excellent performances thus far in European football’s elite competition, they will hope for one last victory that would cap an incredible campaign. Indeed, if they are to add a third trophy to the domestic double they have already clinched, the Turin giants will need Arturo Vidal to be at his very best. After a poor start to 2014-15, the Chilean midfielder once again became key to Juve’s success, making a series of crucial contributions as the season drew to a close. Only Carlos Tevez, Alvaro Morata and Paul Pogba bettered his tally of eight goals in all competitions this term, while he also weighed in with four assists. His most recent strike came in a difficult away meeting with Sampdoria on May 2, and it secured a 1-0 victory that delivered the crucial points needed to seal the Serie A title. Vidal has netted just once in the club’s march to the Champions League final, but that, too, was a vital effort that ultimately saw them progress from their quarter-final meeting with AS Monaco. Chances proved difficult to come by in a tense first leg, and when Ricardo Carvalho's trip on Alvaro Morata saw the referee point to the spot, it was Vidal who was ultimately handed the responsibility. The pressure was immense, with missed penalties against Olympiakos and Cesena surely replaying in his mind as he stepped up in the 57th minute. Having blazed a shot over just before the break, he would blast the ball home in emphatic fashion, and reveal afterward that he had actually asked for the opportunity. “I felt confident, so I asked Carlitos [Tevez] for the ball and then I scored,” Vidal told Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia). “We don’t have a first choice penalty taker, it’s whoever feels most up to it will take it,” he added, showing the confidence he has in his own ability, and Juventus have come to rely on him heavily since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2011. The 28-year-old has often been deployed in a more advanced role since Massimiliano Allegri moved away from the 3-5-2 formation this term, often playing slightly ahead of the other midfielders and finding himself in better attacking positions than he previously enjoyed. Paul Pogba often switches places with him during games, but Vidal has never shirked his defensive duties no matter how Juventus have lined up. According to statistics from WhoScored.com, he has averaged no fewer than 4.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the Champions League, numbers that hint at just how hard he works to recover possession. That effort is part of an incredible spirit that runs throughout the side, and one the player himself hinted at as being crucial to their hopes of ultimate glory when he spoke to Sky Italia shortly after helping the Bianconeri to overcome Real Madrid in the semi-finals. “Barcelona have extraordinary players, but so do we and in Berlin we’ll play the game of our lives,” Vidal said as he left the field at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (h/t Football Italia). “We have a very united squad, we are all brothers here because we’ve known each other for a few years now.” “What Juventus have is a great team,” he added, and while that is undoubtedly true, the Old Lady will need Arturo Vidal to once again deliver if she is to see off the challenge of Lionel Messi’s side.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus have no chance if Barcelona reach their level - Desailly The Serie A champions are heavy underdogs as they chase a first Champions League triumph since 1996 on Saturday and one former winner doesn't think it will be their day. Jun 5, 2015 Juventus have no chance of beating Barcelona if the Catalan giants reach their level in Saturday’s Champions League final, according to Marcel Desailly. Massimiliano Allegri’s men will be heavy underdogs in Berlin despite seeing off Real Madrid over two legs of a tense semi-final last month and claiming a fourth successive Serie A title at a canter. They face a fearsome Barcelona front trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez that have plundered 120 goals between them in all competitions this season. Even more ominously, key defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss Saturday’s game with a calf injury. Juve’s predicament has evoked comparison with Desailly’s AC Milan side that went on to shock Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona ‘Dream Team’ and the rest of the football world with a 4-0 victory in the 1994 Champions League final in Athens. But Desailly, who scored Milan’s fourth goal that day, believes that Juve’s underdog mentality will not benefit them much if Messi and his team-mates find their groove at Olympiastadion. “It doesn't count,” the World Cup winning Frenchman told Goal. “If Barcelona play at their level there's no chance for Juventus. “How many teams have been trying to compete, press or handle the front three of Barcelona? The psychological part doesn't count at all. “Barcelona is not under pressure. They are a club that have that winning mentality already in their blood. “They are a collective side that can play all together but at the same time they have individual talent that at any time can make the difference.” Desailly believes Juve’s only hope of a first Champions League triumph since 1996 is capitalising on any complacency or lack of focus in the Barcelona team. "If they are not in a good day they could be at risk, because Morata is doing well, Tevez is fighting a lot and Allegri has done well with their tactical set-up,” he added. “But it depends more on how Barcelona will start the game.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Xavi: 'Juve, Pirlo is Italy's best' Jun 5, 2015 Barcelona icon Xavi believes his Juventus counterpart Andrea Pirlo was 'always the best in Italy'. The 35-year-old is not a guaranteed starter for the Blaugrana in tomorrow evening's Champions League final between the two sides, but he could join the fight in the second half. Asked by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport about his rival Pirlo, Xavi had nothing but praise. “An unquantifiable talent, a marvel to watch, I am his fan,” he said. “To me, he's always been the best player in Italy. “I may be biased as a midfielder, but I really have no doubts. “He's always been a reference to the other players, the one that others identified with and who had the greatest influence on the game. “He was already the game-breaker at the age of 18 and he's like that now, except that he plays a little further back on the pitch. “We underwent the opposite evolution. I started as a playmaker and moved forwards, he went back.” Many think that tomorrow could be the last great game between these two champions, and the Spaniard feels the same way. “We could meet again, in Qatar or in Ibiza, but in terms of football it's no longer going to be the same.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus and Barcelona contest intriguing Champions League final Jun 5, 2015 Football's biggest club prize is on the line as Juventus face Barcelona in the Champions League final this Saturday. A treble beckons for one side, with Juve and Barca both winning their respective league and cup competitions this season. Mina Rzouki (Juventus) and Lee Roden (Barcelona) preview Saturday's showdown ... Why will your side win the Champions League? Mina Rzouki: Juventus are the embodiment of the Italian style of play. They are cynical, fiercely adept defensively and opportunistic in attack. Well-balanced with experienced minds and composed souls, what they lack in talent they more than make up for in spirit and unity. The stars seem to have aligned. Italy won the World Cup in Berlin in 2006 through unity and team play and such traits run through this Juventus side. Lee Roden: With perfect timing, Barcelona are at their peak. The Catalans have rediscovered their ability to control games, relearned how to vary their tempo and no longer naively aim for the jugular with every move as they did pre-Christmas -- that only led to end-to-end football that doesn't suit them. Where will the winners rank in your team's history? MR: Unlike Barcelona, Juventus have never won a treble. Labelled as serial chokers, the team have previously reached the final on seven occasions yet only lifted the European Cup twice. This is their opportunity to prove they have risen again. If they achieve such a feat, it will be considered very much a team win achieved thanks to hard work, an astute tactician in Massimiliano Allegri and the workhorses on the pitch. While so much beauty exists within the balance of this side and its perfect midfield, they lack the star quality once associated with teams of the past including Alessandro Del Piero, Zinedine Zidane and Pavel Nedved. LR: In terms of major trophies acquired in a single season, a win would make this Barcelona history-matching. In the grander scheme of things this version doesn't look to have the influence of Pep Guardiola's. The forward line is undoubtedly spectacular -- perhaps the best the club has ever had -- but elsewhere on the pitch the team has a workhorse-like feeling. Nowhere is that more evident than the midfield. Ivan Rakitic has been more noteworthy for his tactical understanding than his creative influence while Andres Iniesta's inspirational side has only come to the fore sporadically. Luis Enrique's men are undeniably effective and more often than not a blast to watch, but they're not ground-breaking like Guardiola's side. When they won their fourth Champions League in 2011, many proclaimed Barca to be the greatest club side of all time with some justification. Where will this match be won and lost? MR: While it will be important Juve maintain defensive discipline and work as a unit to limit Barca's offensive strength, the real battle will be in midfield. Both teams boast wonderful players in the middle and whoever is more determined in winning back possession and winning the duels will have the upper hand. Allowing Barcelona to dominate the midfield area will facilitate their attacking play. Space must be closed down and Juve's opponents must be pressed and forced to go deep. It is necessary to not only outrun the competition like Juventus managed against Real Madrid but to maintain a high intensity. Juventus must show why they boast the most balanced midfield in Europe if they hope to stifle Europe's greatest front line. LR: Mina is right. Much is being made about the battle of Juve's defence against Barca's front three, but the middle of the pitch is more important. Barcelona don't exert the same influence there as they once did, while Juventus have both their most-balanced and most-talented midfield for years, so there's potential for possession to be contested more evenly than some presume. The way Juve used the ball in the semifinal against Real Madrid was significant -- an example of those composed souls Mina lauded earlier. Barcelona are a better team than Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid but those two games showed that Juventus are more than happy to string together nice passing combinations and are competent when building from the back against high quality rivals. Luis Enrique really needs his team to maintain their cool head in possession they've developed in the last four months. Giving the ball away needlessly could lead to real trouble, as it won't necessarily come back quickly. If Barca keep their patience, everything else should follow. Giorgio Chiellini is out but there's still the matter of Evra vs. Suarez ... MZ: There's nothing like off-pitch drama to add to the excitement of a spectacle. The Frenchman insists the Uruguayan will be made to feel his presence and while their duel will excite many hoping for an eruption of anger, the real spice will be in the varying styles of the two sides and the sheer quality on the pitch. Patrice Evra is capable of adding the right amount of experience and intelligence to the side. He knows how to win the big games and when it comes to facing enemies, he has what it takes to restrict the brilliance of the very best, even the mighty Luis Suarez. LR: Barca will have drilled the importance of avoiding confrontation into Suarez's head from the moment they learned who they'd face if they made it to the final. At most, the presence of Evra may make Suarez second guess a few actions that would normally be instinctive -- the way he challenges for the ball at a corner, the aggressiveness of his pressing -- but I don't think it'll have a decisive impact on the game. After all, Juve have the minor matter of Lionel Messi and Neymar to keep an eye on too, so even if the Uruguayan's impact is lessened, there are still two of the best forwards in the world to worry about. Pick your Juve-Barca combined XI ZR: Buffon; Pique, Bonucci, Barzagli; Alves, Pirlo, Busquets, Pogba; Messi, Suarez, Tevez Much like Lee says below, I would opt for a back three to have a chance to include three of the best centre-backs in Europe today. With their combined composure, height and strength, such a defence would be very difficult to penetrate. Lee has gone for Marc-André ter Stegen? Come on, surely it has to be Gianluigi Buffon! He's still capable of the heroics and his experience and integrity make him the perfect goalkeeper. With Dani Alves, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Sergio Busquets in my dream XI, no opponent would dominate that area of the pitch. As for the attack, Lee's gone for something different to me. I want Carlos Tevez alongside Messi and Suarez and that would make for a vicious attack full of intelligence, technique and experience. LR: Ter Stegen; Bonucci, Pique, Barzagli; Alves, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar. Buffon is evidently a living legend and an incredibly competent goalkeeper, Mina, but Ter Stegen's ability with both feet has been a huge asset for Barcelona. Remove that and they would be weakened significantly. A three-man back-line with Gerard Pique, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci would be an absolute dream, offering pretty much everything you could ask for from central defenders -- aerial prowess, great passing out from the back and the leadership of Barzagli to help maintain everyone's focus. With those three rocks together, Alves could to stay in midfield and use even more of the quality passing he has shown off when allowed to this year. The Brazilian is 32 now remember, all that tracking back Luis Enrique demands can't be much fun at his age. Elsewhere I don't think there is a net gain to be had from replacing any of Iniesta, Rakitic or Busquets with members of Juve's midfield, an area where I and Mina perhaps won't see eye to eye! I like Tevez a lot, but 117 goals between the Blaugrana's forward line means it picks itself. Prediction MR: 2-1 Barcelona. This is the greatest Messi has ever played in what can only be described as the fittest and most versatile Barcelona we have seen for decades. It's difficult to bet against a Catalan win, even if their defence is capable of a mistake or three. LR: Here's something we both agree on -- 2-1 Barca is my shout too. My gut says it's Juve's year but my head can't see past Barcelona. In particular I can't see past a better-than-ever Lionel Messi.