Socrates

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Zaccheroni: 'Juve psychological strength' Jun 2, 2015 Alberto Zaccheroni believes Juventus are “psychologically in much better shape” than Barcelona in the Champions League Final. The showdown is on Saturday night in Berlin and one of the two sides will complete the Treble, having already won their League and domestic Cup trophies. “Juve have a 40 to 50 per cent chance of doing it,” ex-Japan manager Zaccheroni told Sky Sport Italia. “On a psychological level the Bianconeri are in much better shape, because they go into this as outsiders and nobody expected this. “Playing against Barcelona always gives extra energy to opponents. If Barça were to lose, it would be treated as a failure. They feel obliged to win and reach the Final with a lot of pressure and tension. “The way to stop Barcelona is to take away their supply lines. It’s no longer the tiki-taka team, as Luis Enrique added a bit of an Italian mentality to his football culture. “Max Allegri has a solid squad that is in great shape. He needs to focus on the midfield, which is one of the strongest in the world. “Allegri’s Juve is better at adapting to various situations than Antonio Conte.” This is the Bianconeri’s first Champions League Final since 2003. “Juventus always showed themselves to be the most organised Italian team over the long-term,” continued Zac. “When I was there five years ago, the squad was the result of a preceding era. There were many players towards the end of their career and we never had fewer than 13 missing at a time. “The club set out a great business plan that will allow them to work for many years with the future in their favour.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Neymar: Juventus Will Be Barcelona’s Most Difficult Game This Season Jun 2, 2015 Barcelona forward Neymar has said the match against Juventus will the Catalan club’s most difficult game this season. The Spanish giants face La Vecchia Signora in the final of the Champions League final on June 6, with the Italian champions in their first final of Europe’s top club competition since 2003, and Neymar said that they will be a tough team to beat. “We know that Juventus are a great team who haven’t reached the final in a while,” the 23-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. “It will be a tough game, we will give the best we’ve got. “The game will be the most difficult game of our season,” the Brazilian international added. Neymar also said that he is looking forward to coming face to face with Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. “I am a big fan of Buffon and I respect him a lot, and I hope on Saturday I can get a hug!”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Thuram: I Want Juventus And Buffon To Lift The Champions League Jun 2, 2015 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram has praised the Juventus squad ahead of the Champions League final. La Vecchia Signora play Barcelona in Berlin on June 6 in the conclusion of Europe’s top club competition, and Thuram, who played for the Italian champions between 2001 and 2006, has not ruled out a victory for Juventus despite them being slight underdogs. “In sport, the strongest team in the world, with the best player in the world, can be beaten,” the 43-year-old told La Repubblica. The Frenchman then insisted his former teammate Gianluigi Buffon helped him improve his own career and that he hopes Juve win the title. “I would love Buffon lift the trophy, it would be magnificent for the history of the sport,” the Frenchman said. “After the Real Madrid match I told him that his skill made my career.” He then moved on to also praise midfielder Paul Pogba. “He is, without doubt, a phenomenon.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) How can Juventus try and shut down Barcelona's right wing? The key to Juventus winning the Champions League final lies in Barcelona's right, and Juve's left. Jun 2, 2015 When Juventus take on Barcelona in the Champions League final on Saturday, you can expect a terrific battle of wits as the Catalan offensive firepower gets aligned against the Bianconeri defensive mettle. There will be multiple sub-plots all over the pitch, but it's the clash between Juve's left and Barca's right that we break down here. Team Formations Should Massimiliano Allegri choose to go with four in the back, then it will be Giorgio Chiellini on the left side of the center backs, and Patrice Evra out at left back. If it's a three-man backline, then it'll still be Chiellini in the back with Evra at wingback. In front of them will most likely be Paul Pogba on the left side of midfield and then Carlos Tevez shading to the left up front. For the Spaniards, the formation is pretty constant at 4-3-3. It'll be Brazilian Dani Alves at right back, Ivan Rakitic on the right side of midfield and Lionel Messi at the right of their attacking trident. The players are very dynamic so it's no surprise to find, say Messi, in the middle, which is what makes Barca difficult to defend against. Barcelona Breakdown Alves is very attack minded and constantly bombs forward on runs. He has excellent vision and a good shot, too, and while he has lost some speed, he remains one of the better right backs in the business today. A study done recently by CIES Football Observatory has him ranked as the best fullback in the top five European leagues. There is a range of diverse criteria taken into consideration for this, with chance creation, take-on ability, ball distribution, recovery and rigor all looked at. Alves fits the role required by a right back in the Barca system perfectly. One of his major weaknesses though lies in his slowness to track back when he loses possession and Barca often 'cheat' to their right when he goes forward to compensate. That should be one of the chinks in Luis Enrique's armor that Allegri must look to exploit. Juve have reverted to holding strong at the back and breaking forward at pace when playing against sides that enjoy the bigger share of ball possession. In Berlin, there will be opportunities to play the long pass beyond the Catalan back line which is growing long in the tooth and doesn't possess great speed either. Rakitic has been one of the unsung heroes of the Spaniards' campaign. The Croat has been instrumental in Messi's stellar season. His piercing runs out right have made room for Messi time and again, and his tireless pressuring of the ball carrier has both helped out Alves and created opportunities up front. He does have some shortcomings, though. Rakitic can be bypassed by the quick ball from the middle into space on the wings. His tendency to over-commit to zealous tackles might see him the target of strategic gamesmanship. As for Messi, there is nothing left to be said about his abilities. Apart from scoring a boatload of goals this season, he has scored them at critical points of games, too. The way he took the semifinal against Bayern Munich by the scruff of the neck and blew the game wide open and then proceeded to ensure their finals berth is the stuff of legend. Divine he might be, but he is also prone to the same Achilles heel that his fellow superstar Cristiano Ronaldo suffers from. When starved of the ball and quickly shut down when he does see it, he tends to fade out of the game for periods at a time. But it is that ability too to snap out of the reverie with the speed of a striking cobra that makes them both so lethal. Keeping Messi disinterested might involve over-committing resources on him, with the resident danger that the other two members of the forward trio Neymar and Luis Suarez can pounce to take advantage. Juventus Structure A 4-3-1-2 formation actually looks the best option to neutralize Barca. The four across the back will ensure that there's one extra man to deal with the threat of their forward three. The critical part here though is the three-man Juve midfield. Andrea Pirlo has not been at his best since his return from injury, especially losing the ball more often in dangerous places. His general vision of the game has not been of the sparkling variety fans have gotten used to, but surely Allegri could not drop Pirlo the Legend in a Champions League final? Or could he? Pogba is one of the youngest shining jewels in the world, but he too has been off since his recent return from injury. When in form, though, Pogba is also capable of the sublime like the superstars. In his last few competitive appearances, the Frenchman has struggled defensively, letting opposing players by him too easily and getting caught out of position too. Juve clinching the title early has helped with easing him back into the pace of the game. So will he start ahead of his fellow Frenchman Uncle Pat? Stefano Sturaro had an exemplary game in his Champions League debut against holders Real Madrid. Would it be feasible that instead, Allegri begins the game with Sturaro's boundless energy and fearless pursuit to tire and demoralize Barca, and then hit them in the last half hour with Pogba coming off the bench? Similarly, Claudio Marchisio has been excellent lately when commanding the team from the defensive midfield (regista) position. While not at his best on the right side of midfield, he was deployed there against Real and did decently enough. Does he start there? But again, can Allegri really drop Pirlo in this game? Could Marchisio start instead of Pogba on the left with strict instructions to shadow Messi? Would that then leave Juve bereft of attack on the left and allow Barcelona to camp in the Bianconeri half? Presumably Arturo Vidal gets the nod at trequartista with Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata up front. The attacking pair provides the first line of defence for Juve as they pressure deep to try to cause turnovers. Keeping Sergio Busquets from getting the ball is a key battle. If Busquets is smothered, it will increase pressure on Andres Iniesta and Messi to drop even deeper to collect the ball, which will give Juventus' defence more breathing room as they setup the barricades. The next step is to then to keep the Barca players from forming their famous triangles that enable them to distribute the ball far and wide out of midfield. Allegri already has experience in doing this when he led his AC Milan side to a 2-0 win over Barcelona in 2013. The key then was defensive discipline across the board, and a similar effort will be needed to beat the Catalan side this time too. Strategic Set Pieces Another element that must be talked about — set pieces. Historically, Barca have not been a big side and especially during the Cesc Fabregas and 'False Nine' era, they always preferred to play the ball out from corners and free-kicks rather than play the long ball in. On defense, despite a couple of hulking center backs, there was always an opening for opponents to take advantage. All that has changed though under Enrique, and especially assistant coach Juan Carlos Unzué. they have been able to turn this disadvantage to an asset, with about 15 percent of their goals in the league this term coming from set-pieces. Defensively this has been effective, too, with only two set-piece goals conceded in the league. Unzué is a former Barca goalkeeper, and he has implemented a whole catalogue of choreographed routines for the players to go through at dead-ball situations. On his command, and it is his command as Enrique cedes the touchline to Unzué at set-pieces, the players go into various movement patterns which often results in even smaller players like Jordi Alba coming free to score important goals. Similarly, on defence he has instituted a mixed-marking system that starts with Suarez attacking the near post and Gerard Piqué with license to roam and freedom to follow the ball where needed. All is not lost for Juve, however. The same defensive discipline that was spoken about before will be required when man marking at setpieces, while some trickery and execution from Juventus' free kicks will be needed to nullify their defence. On dead-ball situations that have required Pirlo to swing the ball into the box, we have seen Juve try a few variants with either curling the ball deeper past everyone, for a Juve player to head back across the box and create a chance (Morata's goal at the Bernabeu), or even hitting the ball short of the mass of players and have someone like Evra run back at the ball to flick it over the backline. When Barcelona has the set-piece, the big center backs usually lumber forward leaving Alba and Busquets as the main backline. If Juventus can quickly clear the ball and then set Tevez and Morata running diagonally to the corners, they can create overloads that could result in opportunities. This is the text-book way of attacking Barca, and it hasn't changed over the years, no matter who is running Camp Nou. In closing, it must be reiterated that teams do not need to park the bus to beat Barcelona. Letting Barca have all the ball in midfield puts a lot of pressure on teams to keep 10 men behind it. Instead, pressing them higher up the pitch yet retaining the discipline to quickly fall back into a compact structure that cuts out the passing lanes has been shown to work wonders. The final nails in the killing off of the Catalan side then are using counterattacks and set pieces intelligently to score the goals required to bolster the defensive performance required. The game will probably be won or lost by how Juventus' left side performs against Barcelona's right, so watch out for all the little battles that will form there once the whistle blows on Saturday.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Iniesta confident of fitness for Champions League final Jun 2, 2015 Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said he is confident of being fit to face Juventus in Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus, despite missing training again on Tuesday. Iniesta was substituted early in the second half of Saturday's 3-1 Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao, and immediately applied ice to a calf muscle as he watched the remainder of the game from the bench, although the issue did not stop him playing a full part in the team's celebrations after the final whistle. The 31-year-old did not take part in Tuesday's open training session at Barca's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, but told reporters afterward that the issue was not serious, and he had not even considered the possibility of missing out on Saturday's clash with Juventus in Berlin. "I had some discomfort and nothing else," Iniesta said. "Not playing on Saturday has not passed through my head at all. I hope to be ready to play and help team to win the Champions League, which we all want, to end a very special season." Sitting beside Iniesta at the official UEFA media event was Xavi Hernandez, who replaced his long-time teammate against Athletic last weekend, and who would be in line to start against Juve if required. Asked by a reporter if it was strange to be preparing for a final thinking you would be unlikely to start the game, a question which brought a smile to the face of both Xavi and Iniesta, the 35-year-old responded that he was just looking forward to playing whatever role required as the team looked to add the CL trophy to the already secured La Liga and Copa prizes. "Any minutes I play will be extraordinary, and even more in a Champions League final," Xavi said. "This is a dream end of my career as a Barcelona player, I could not even have dreamed this. We have won the double, but treble is still there to do. We want to end the year with another trophy." Iniesta added that the Barca team would see winning just the second treble in the club's history as a fitting way for Xavi to end his 17th season as a blaugrana first teamer. "There is no doubt that this day would be perfect," he said. "Anyway it is spectacular season for a unique player like him to say goodbye in the best way. The image of him lifting the Champions League trophy would be perfect for him, for Barca and for all his teammates. All motivations of this type, in a game where you do not need more motivation, are welcome." Speaking soon afterwards, Barca coach Luis Enrique was uninterested in a question as to whether victory on Saturday would be a blow back against those who criticised him earlier during his first season in charge. "I do not live in a world of extremisms," Luis Enrique said. "I am the same now as at the start of the season. I just do my work and enjoy it. We will do the same routine with the players, many of them have been in this situation before. We have had a very good Champions League, although we have lost a few games, we have come through against the champions of England, France, Germany, now we play against the Italian champions. Finals always have a very important psychological aspect, but we are convinced we will play good game, that we will be intense, that we will be as motivated as Juve." Luis Enrique did smile when reminded that he himself had faced Juventus in a key CL game, 2003's quarter-final second leg at the Camp Nou, when the then Barca midfielder was through on goal but shot wide when still Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon sprung from his line to narrow the angle. 'I do not have a great memory, but that day I have remembered many times," he said. "I had a very clear chance to score, for sure it would have sent us through. But I missed it. So I remember that move. Buffon is still a great keeper, enormous level.'

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Lichtsteiner: ‘Barcelona are favourites’ Jun 2, 2015 Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner admits Barcelona are favourites ahead of the Champions League final. The Old Lady are in their first final in this competition since 2003, and are aiming to win it for the first time since 1996. “I personally think Barcelona are favourites,” Lichtsteiner told Sky. “They have a squad which has already won a couple of Champions League titles, a squad which plays to win the Champions League every year. “I think Barcelona are certainly favourites, but we’ll play anyway. “It’s a final, and we want to win so there’s pressure for both teams. I think both are good, we say the end of the game they played the other day [the Copa Del Rey final]. “We’re in great shape, and they’re also playing really well.” The Swiss international also admitted that Barça’s ‘MSN’ front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar represents a significant threat. “Of course, but Barcelona don’t just have strong forwards, they’re midfielders and defenders are good, and it’s a team which can rightly be called the best in the world, so we’ll need the utmost concentration. “But we’re a good team too, and we can hurt them and make this a great game.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Pique: ‘Tevez hard to stop’ Jun 2, 2015 Barcelona defender Gerard Pique describes Juventus as ‘very strong’ and admits Carlos Tevez is ‘hard to stop’. The Spanish international played alongside Tevez at Manchester United, and will renew acquaintances on Saturday in the Champions League final. “We’re convinced we can win the treble, but we’re keeping our feet on the ground,” Pique told Mundo Deportivo. “We know that Juventus are a difficult opponent to deal with, everyone is making us favourites, but we know it will be difficult on the pitch. “The Bianconeri play with great intensity, and there are situations we cannot control or predict. We have to be focused. “Juve will play on the break with Tevez and [Alvaro] Morata, we know them, and against Real [Madrid] they showed they’re up to it. “In terms of both quality and quantity they’re very strong.” Pique was then asked to expand on his thoughts about the Juventus front two. “I don’t care that Alvaro is from Real Madrid on an ex-Madridista, it won’t be an extra motivation. Winning the Champions League is already enough motivation to give your all. “As for Tevez, I got on very well with him in Manchester, because our English wasn’t great, the same with [Patrice] Evra. “Carlitos has lots of talent, character and he’s winner. He’ll be hard to stop.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Xavi: Champions League final my dream ending The veteran midfielder will end his illustrious time at Camp Nou at the season's end and is hoping to bow out in a grand manner on Saturday. Jun 2, 2015 Xavi is determined to end his Barcelona career on a high when his side take on Juventus in Saturday's Champions League final. The former Spain midfielder will leave the club he has represented throughout his career at the season's end for Qatari side Al Sadd. Having already won the double this term, Xavi has one last shot at silverware in Berlin and says he could not have hoped for a better way to bow out. "The minutes I play will be extraordinary ones," he told reporters. "It's a Champions League final and my last game for the club. It's the ultimate dream. The important thing is to help the team. "It is not the end of an era. I go, but this generation will continue with the squad we have. Barca will remain competitive. "This team doesn't get tired of winning. We are obliged to win as Barcelona, we are a winning team. We like to win, to take control. We've had a fantastic generation in recent years. "It's a final and they're all making us favourites but Juventus won't be easy. It'll be a tough final. We are training well this week and we'll see how they'll play. "This season is very good but could be excellent, it's the same for Juventus. We've both arrived in good form but we want to make history." Xavi also voiced his hope that coach Luis Enrique will continue at the club after a successful first season at Camp Nou. "I don't know if Luis Enrique will continue. I hope that he'll stay because he's shown what he can do. He's been a very good leader of the team. "The first season at Barcelona isn't easy."

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Ter Stegen: ‘Buffon a legend’ Jun 2, 2015 Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen describes his Juventus opposite number Gigi Buffon as ‘a legend’. The 23-year-old will line-up against the Italian international in Saturday’s Champions League final, and reveals his respect for the veteran. “He’s a great goalkeeper, a legend,” Ter Stegen replied, when questioned about Buffon at Barça’s media day. “Everyone in the world knows him, and he’s had a great season. I was surprised how tight Juventus were in defence against Real Madrid. “Gigi is a fantastic goalkeeper, and he’s at the peak of his career.” Ter Stegen has been handed the gloves for the Copa Del Rey and Champions League this season, with Claudio Bravo on La Liga duties, but the former insists any victory would be down to the team. “For me, it’s important to play in this final. I’m very happy to have played in this competition, and I intend to win it. “It is not, however, a personal desire, but a team one. “Do I dream of winning the Champions League with one of my saves? That’s not important, the important thing is to win.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Ivan Rakitic warns against Barcelona complacency Jun 2, 2015 Ivan Rakitic has warned his Barcelona teammates against complacency ahead of their Champions League final showdown against Juventus. The Spanish champions will meet the Italian champions in Berlin on Saturday night to determine who is Europe's top club. Barca are the favourites to lift the trophy for a fifth time, but Rakitic believes that Juve will provide tough opposition. "We want to be the best we can on this special day," the Croatian international is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "We don't want to change anything in our preparation and we want to enjoy it. "We have to play wonderfully because we face an extremely talented team. Juventus have worked hard for what they have achieved. "If you believe you are favourites, it is dangerous. We cannot control what people feel. We can only control our sensations as a group. It is very easy to say Barca are the favourites." Rakitic has scored seven goals in 50 appearances for Barcelona so far this season.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Llorente: ‘Messi is an alien’ Jun 2, 2015 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente describes Lionel Messi as ‘an alien’, but still believes Barcelona can be beaten. The Old Lady face the Catalan side in the Champions League final in Berlin this Saturday, and much of the focus has been on Barça’s ‘MSN’ strike force - Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. “We know it will be very difficult, because we’re facing the strongest team at the moment,” Llorente admitted, speaking to Sky. “They have magnificent players who can make the difference, but above all the three forwards, Messi, Neymar and Suarez who really are having an incredible season. “I think Messi is an alien, who is defining an era of football.” However, the former Athletic Club man does not believe that the Blaugrana are unbeatable. “I think we need to have fun and prepare as well as possible this week. We want to play our game and try to win. “I’ve seen them suffer when teams sit in against them, but you can’t play the whole game that way, because eventually they’ll score a goal. “I think there will be a lot of times where we’ll have to do that, because there’s no other option, and we must do it in the best way, defending as a team, without losing focus for a moment. “Against those players, if you make a mistake, they will hurt you. So we have to have the utmost concentration, and do well when we have the ball. “There will be times when it’s very important to keep hold of it. They’re a very strong team on the ball, and to take it away from them will definitely be difficult.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Messi: ‘Juventus are very strong’ Jun 2, 2015 Lionel Messi says Juventus are ‘very strong’ as he prepares to meet them in the Champions League final with Barcelona. Both sides are playing for a treble in Saturday’s match, and the Argentinian has helped his side to La Liga, the Copa Del Rey and this final with 58 goals and 23 assists in 50 games this season. “It's a Champions League final,” said Messi, speaking to UEFA’s official website. “We have to go through a lot to make it to the final because we know it is not easy to become champions again. “Our dream is to win it all. We know that we will face a very tricky opponent – they are very strong, Juventus are a big team. “It is a final and anything can happen, but we will prepare and approach it as we have approached finals before.” One of the biggest dangers for the Bianconeri will be the ‘MSN’ trident - Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar - and the four-time Ballon d’Or winner says a friendship off the pitch helps them to be effective on it. “We get along with each other really well, not only on the field but also off it. I think that if you get along well off the pitch, this makes things easier on the pitch.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Buffon and Ter Stegen are the rocks at the heart of Juventus and Barcelona Jun 2, 2015 As Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen clasp hands in Berlin on Sunday for the traditional show of solidarity before a big game, the wonder is whether they will talk about the one piece of common ground between them, beyond the fact they're gracing a stage like the Champions League final. They're not just at opposite ends of the pitch; they're at opposite ends of their careers, with totally opposing circumstances. It's difficult to think of a contrast between two Champions League final goalkeepers more pronounced than this one. It may yet condition this fixture between Barcelona and Juventus, especially when you consider how they've both dealt with those differences. One is among the greatest goalkeepers of all time; the other merely a promising talent. One is a veteran at 37 and at the age when most are considered a little old for the role at a top club. The other is just 23 and considered a bit too young for that same role. One has been a fixture between the posts for all his teams going as far back as 1996; the other can't get regular football for his current club. One is returning to the stadium where he enjoyed his greatest moment in winning the 2006 World Cup, while the other is playing on first truly high-profile stage of his career. In reaching Berlin's Olympic Stadium, however, both have had big moments. Buffon managed one of this Champions League season's most significant saves in Juventus' home quarterfinal first leg against Monaco, somehow preventing Ferreira Carrasco from what seemed a certain away goal at a tight point in the tie. Ter Stegen then managed a series of similar stops in Barca's semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich, preventing a comfortable situation from becoming a bit more severe. Those displays are not the true parallel between the goalkeepers, even if a deep difference underscores that too. What is most remarkable is how both have maintained that level, despite situations that tend to mitigate against that kind of performance. Buffon is at the age when the majority of players enter rapid decline, while Ter Stegen doesn't get the regular football that has traditionally been viewed as essential for a goalkeeper. The magnificence of Buffon's career was most emphasised by the contrasts of the semifinal against Real Madrid. For the majority of the past 15 years, he and Iker Casillas have been considered the world's best two goalkeepers. They have been at the very to, and maintained top form for longer than even the likes of Petr Cech. Only Buffon has stayed there, though. While the younger Casillas seemed to lose his edge almost immediately after winning the 2010 World Cup, that hasn't been the case with the Italian. His drive and sharpness have never died, and this has arguably been one of his finest-ever seasons. It's certainly difficult to think of a single moment when he has made the kind of error that has become so characteristic with Casillas. By contrast, you only see the ferocious concentration on Buffon's face. He just remains utterly dependable and assured. It is all the more remarkable given the distractions he has had to dismiss. He decided to stay with Juventus when they were relegated in 2006 after the Calciopoli scandal, which came just weeks after his win with Italy in the World Cup, meaning he is also going from Berlin to Serie B to Berlin again. Throughout it all, the focus has never faded. He has only become more determined, and it has made him a defining leader. Buffon is never satisfied, always setting an ever-higher standard. That was most evident this season when he severely admonished his teammates for the 2-2 draw with lowly Cesena. Of course, that edge has been enhanced this season because Buffon is in sight of the one major trophy his career is missing: the Champions League. That sense of completeness would be apt because he has also become the complete goalkeeper. Buffon is not one of those No. 1s only willing to react and respond, as Casillas has arguably become. He spots danger before it happens and takes command of his area. His role goes beyond just keeping the ball out. That could be all the more important given the pummelling Juventus are likely to suffer at the feet of that stellar Barcelona attack. In that event, Ter Stegen is almost certain to be the quieter goalkeeper, and one who will have to react to danger out of long spells of idleness, but then he's well used to that. The German has yet to play in a league game for Barcelona since signing from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer, but he is their designated cup goalkeeper. To rotate the him and Claudio Bravo in that way runs contrary to the customary way goalkeepers maintain their sharpness, and Ter Stegen admitted recently that it is difficult "not playing with a weekly rhythm." You wouldn't have guessed it from his fine recent performances, although that may also be because the nature of the modern goalkeeper is changing from the old traditions that even Buffon is used to. Those around Barca say their goalkeepers are now more involved in general team training and not apart from the group in the way they used to be. That maintains a different type of sharpness and mental freshness. "It's not easy when you're not in the rhythm but I'm playing in the Champions League so I don't lose it," Ter Stegen said recently. "I'm happy with the situation." The oddity is that it's also a situation that is far from alien to the Champions League final. Many of the most famous goalkeeping performances have come from those who were not regulars. Casillas came off the bench for Real in 2002 against Bayer Leverkusen to produce a heroic display, and Bodo Illgner reclaimed his place in goal for the Spanish side shortly before they beat Juventus in 1998. Perhaps the most famous is Nigel Spink, who had barely played for Aston Villa in his five years there before the 1982 final against Bayern Munich, but came on after eight minutes for the injured Jimmy Rimmer and proceeded to give one of the greatest goalkeeping performances the competition had ever seen. "If we were playing until today we would not score any goal," Bayern's Paul Breitner recently told ESPN FC. Buffon may need to be against the likes of Lionel Messi, while Ter Stegen may have to replicate the Villa keeper in another way. It could be the difference.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juve don't play great football - Busquets The Barcelona midfielder is impressed with the Bianconeri's spirit and organisation but feels they have not set the world alight in their Champions League run. Jun 2, 2015 Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets says that Juventus have reached the Champions League final through sound organisation rather than good football. The Bianconeri were unfancied in Europe at the start of the season and were struggling in the group stage before making it to the round of 16. They have since overcome Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Real Madrid, but Busquets remains less than impressed with their gameplan. "Juventus have not reached the final by playing well or scoring a lot," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "But they deserve to be here, they're a compact team and very difficult to beat. Until December, they were in trouble in the group. Then over time they showed they were prepared to go all the way. "It's always like that with Italian teams, they're competitive, they know what they want and they know how to get it. "In a final, it's winning that counts, it's not the style of play that people remember. We know how difficult it is and it would be nice to win, which is what counts." Busquets went on to hail coach Luis Enrique's effect on the team since taking over from Tata Martino last summer. "Under Luis Enrique we’ve worked a lot, and we’ve improved defensively. The addition of Luis Suarez has helped us a lot, and with Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta we move well and keep it tight. "Then we have a good defence and two great goalkeepers. In general, compared to a year ago the difference is physical, we’re much better in that respect and you can see it. "The impact of Luis Enrique has been very positive. He has very clear ideas about football and we’ve absorbed them. We’ve had more variation and it’s helped us so much with Lionel Messi being on the wing. "He’s even more devastating when he drifts into the centre, pulls people out of position and makes combinations. Then Suarez is there as a point of reference, which is good for us."

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) The Brains Behind The Midfield Marvel As Andrea Pirlo prepares for his fourth Champions League final, Rossella Marrai attempts to explain what makes him tick. Jun 2, 2015 Cesare Prandelli once described Andrea Pirlo as ‘a player who belongs to everyone’ and never has a truer word been spoken about the bearded genius. Whether you are a Juventus fan living the dream, a disappointed Milan fan still angry at his exit or simply an observer, Pirlo’s elegant style of play is one that leaves any football fan drooling at the sight of his simply mesmerising play. It seems that as the years of experience start to show on his face, his feet, filled with wisdom, continue to generate that same golden wisp of magic he conjured up when he first emerged on the scene. Over the course of the last two decades, football fans have been able to marvel at the joy Pirlo has brought to the game. He gets out of tricky situations effortlessly, he has a vision second to none, and he has the ability to persuade and manipulate the ball to swerve and move in any direction he chooses. Pirlo doesn’t respect the ball, the ball respects him. “Pirlo brings people together because he is football. He’s the most skilful type of player, someone who’s never done anything horribly wrong – he’s the essence of the game,” the former Italy coach went on to say. Even though the football maestro has been ever-present in Italian football for 20 marvellous and memorable years, he still manages to surprise his closest of fans. But what goes on in the mind of the mind of the 2006 World Cup winner? In his book ‘I Think Therefore I Play’, the Juventus man goes on to reveal some of his thought processes when faced with some of his biggest career moments. And as one soon goes on to discover, while Pirlo’s style of play may be simple yet complicated to the naked eye, football is just a game of mind over matter and simple mathematics for him. “I’ve understood that there is a secret: I perceive the game in a different way. It’s a question of viewpoints, of having a wide field of vision. Being able to see the bigger picture,” he wrote in his book. “Your classic midfielder looks downfield and sees the forwards. I’ll focus instead on the space between me and them where I can work the ball through. It’s more a question of geometry than tactics.” With two UEFA Champions League titles and the prestigious World Cup title to his name, Pirlo is no stranger to the big scene yet he barely seems phased when confronted with a career defining moment. His calm demeanor is something that few players are able to instill in themselves, and, surprisingly, he pulls it off with poise and finesse, barely showing a glimpse of fear. Pirlo’s secret behind treating a cup final like it was any other game, or for we mere mortals, another day in the office, is remaining distant from the emotional attachment. “I don’t feel pressure, either. I don’t give a toss about it. I spent the afternoon of Sunday, July 9, 2006, in Berlin sleeping and playing the PlayStation. In the evening, I went out and won the World Cup.” To this day Pirlo’s calmness remains an astounding sphere of his personality, but it is a large portion of why he plays in the style he does. Few players interpret space the way the 36-year-old does, and only a person with a calm, confident and tactical mind would attempt the moves he makes and strike the ball the way he does. In just four days Pirlo will be competing for his third UEFA Champions League title, and he will also return to Berlin for the first time since helping Italy win their fourth World Cup. While this fixture against Barcelona may be a big deal to the Bianconeri and the whole squad, this is just another fixture in Pirlo’s mind; despite admitting he showed the slightest glimpse of normality in the penalty shoot-out against France in ’06. “Caressing the ball was something I had to do,” he said about stepping up to the penalty spot in front of Fabien Barthez. “I then lifted my eyes to the heavens and asked for help because if God exists, there’s no way he’s French.” Rest assured Massimiliano Allegri will be looking to his talisman to add the creative flare and the decisive touch when the Old Lady turns out against Luis Enrique’s Barcelona side. And while Juventus may claim bragging rights over the rest of Italy should they emerge victorious, they will nonetheless have the backing of the whole nation come kick-off on Saturday. “Being part of a team that belongs to everyone makes me feel good and at peace with myself. It relaxes me,” Pirlo further revealed in his book. “A lot of the time, it’s better than sex: it lasts longer and if it all falls flat, it can’t just be your fault.” This will be a game not only for the people of Turin but also for Italy as a country.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus' financial nous key in rise to Champions League final Jun 2, 2015 Juventus will return to the top table of European football this Saturday when they step into Berlin's Olympiastadion to take on Barcelona in the Champions League final. The Old Lady are a team in the truest sense and their progress to this year's Champions League final, and success in securing a fourth consecutive Serie A title, can be attributed to manager Massimiliano Allegri forging a cohesive, well-drilled unit full of experienced heads. Indeed, six of the players who started in the 1-1 semifinal second leg against Real Madrid, and are likely to feature in the starting XI in Berlin, are aged over 30. But behind the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon is another equally impressive team that has helped them get back on their feet after they were demoted to Serie B and stripped of two Serie A titles in 2006 -- an event which became known as the Calciopoli scandal after club officials were found guilty of trying to influence the appointment of referees. Juventus' resurrection from the lowest point in their history has been led by chairman Andrea Agnelli -- appointed in 2010 and part of the fourth generation of his family to run the club they have owned for more than 90 years. After cutting his teeth at some leading blue-chip multinational companies, Agnelli has initiated a tenacious business culture at Juventus that has been shaped by his background as an Anglophile and his days as an Oxford University student when he travelled to North London to watch Arsenal. Central to the club's revival has been the building of the 41,000 capacity Juventus stadium: on the site of the old Stadio delle Alpi, making the Turin side the only one in Serie A to own their own ground. The new stadium was actually commissioned before Agnelli's appointment but, in planning how it should operate, he and other Juventus officials visited Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and studied the success of other English clubs to understand how they maximise revenue from merchandise, drinks and other commercial ventures. After the trip, the decision was made to adopt the English model with the Juventus Stadium, which now boasts its own museum, elegant corporate hospitality facilities and other commercial add-ons after opening in September 2011. Fausto Zanetton, a former banker who provides financial advice to a number of Italian football clubs, told ESPN FC: "Agnelli is a savvy businessman who has surrounded himself on the board with likeminded business brains. His focus has been all about reviving the Juve brand. Owning their own stadium has given them a huge advantage over their rivals and helped to make them, once again, one of Europe's strongest sides." However, Italy's leading clubs lag behind their European counterparts when it comes to generating revenue. According to the latest Deloitte Money League, Juventus are the country's richest club, ranked 10th in the world with annual turnover of £200 million. But their total matchday revenue of £34.3 million and commercial revenue of £71.1 million is dwarfed by that of their Champions League rivals Barcelona, who manage £97.7 million and £155.3 million respectively. Juventus are still in the red but, under Agnelli's stewardship, losses have been cut by one-third over the past four years to just under £45 million according to club accounts. The family also own car manufacturers Fiat and Chrysler and have harnessed the success of its core business for the benefit of the team. Juve's £13 million per year shirt sponsorship deal (the highest in Italy) is with Jeep, another part of the Agnelli empire. Along with the new £71 million stadium, a new shopping complex also was built and the rights to manage it sold to an Italian retail company for £21 million, helping to offset construction costs. While another aspect of the English model which Agnelli is borrowing comes from the idea to link the new stadium with wider regeneration. The Emirates Stadium led to the creation of new homes and businesses in North London, while Arsenal's local rivals Tottenham Hotspur have even more ambitious plans for amenities around their new stadium -- which they hope will be ready in 2019 -- as way of maximising income. Juventus already have signed a deal with the city council of Turin for the redevelopment of the Continassa district, which adjoins their stadium. The multimillion pound venture will lead to the creation of a new club headquarters, a training centre, hotel, school, homes and an entertainment complex. New parks, sites for businesses and open spaces are also being created as part of the urban regeneration project. Of course to find real success in Europe, you have to focus on the pitch as well and the financial nous in the boardroom has been underpinned by an astute transfer policy overseen by director general Giuseppe Marotta, seen as one of Agnelli's most inspirational appointments in May 2010. Keeping one eye on the balance sheet, Marotta took a gamble on Paul Pogba to sign him when Manchester United released the midfielder in 2012; snapped up Pirlo from AC Milan; and secured the services of veteran Patrice Evra from Manchester United -- all on free transfers. He also bought Arturo Vidal from Bayer Leverkusen and Carlos Tevez from Manchester City for a combined fee of under €25 million; with their value now well over that amount each. So, importantly, Juventus have no pressure to sell any of their stars. They can turn away mega-bids for Pogba knowing full well that they are now on firm financial footing once more. Meanwhile, they can afford to attract the next generation of players to Turin, with Palermo starlet Paulo Dybala set to arrive for around €40 million and Germany World Cup winner Sami Khedira the latest in Marotta's long line of free transfer coups. Barcelona may be favourites going into this Saturday's Champions League final, but the Bianconeri will be hoping that getting their sums right off the pitch will give them the best chance of lifting trophies on it.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINALE Sabato, 6 giugno 2015 - ore 20:45 Olympiastadion, Berlino Arbitro:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turchia) Confronti ufficiali 8 - 4 (Champions League) - 2 (Coppa delle Coppe) - 2 (Coppa delle Fiere) Vittorie Juventus 4 - 1 (Champions League) - 1 (Coppa delle Coppe) - 2 (Coppa delle Fiere) Pareggi 2 - 2 (Champions League) Vittorie Barcelona 2 - 1 (Champions League) - 1 (Coppa delle Coppe) Goals Juventus 10 - 4 (Champions League) - 2 (Coppa delle Coppe) - 4 (Coppa delle Fiere) Goals Barcelona 9 - 4 (Champions League) - 3 (Coppa delle Coppe) - 2 (Coppa delle Fiere) Juventus - Barcelona - Champions League in campo neutro Confronti ufficiali 0 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 0 Vittorie Barcelona 0 Goals Juventus 0 Goals Barcelona 0 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Barcelona 4 presenze Tacconi Stefano 2 Baggio Roberto 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Birindelli Alessandro 2 Bonini Massimo 2 Brio Sergio 2 Buffon Gianluigi 2 Cabrini Antonio 2 Camoranesi Mauro German 2 Capello Fabio 2 goal Bettega Roberto 1 Baggio Roberto 1 Capello Fabio 1 Casiraghi Pierluigi 1 Haller Helmut 1 Montero Ronald Paolo 1 Nedved Pavel 1 Platini Michel 1 Zalayeta Marcelo Danubio Ultimi confronti diretti 20.10.1970 - Coppa delle Fiere - Barcelona-Juventus 1-2 04.11.1970 - Coppa delle Fiere - Juventus-Barcelona 2-1 05.03.1986 - Coppa dei Campioni - Barcelona-Juventus 1-0 19.03.1986 - Coppa dei Campioni - Juventus-Barcelona 1-1 10.04.1991 - Coppa delle Coppe - Barcelona-Juventus 3-1 24.04.1991 - Coppa delle Coppe - Juventus-Barcelona 1-0 09.04.2003 - Champions League - Juventus-Barcelona 1-1 22.04.2003 - Champions League - Barcelona-Juventus 1-2 Giocate 8 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Barcelona 2 - Goals Juventus 10 - Goals Barcelona 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XItQsl_FpR4

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Neymar: I'm nervous about the Champions League final The Brazilian believes that Ronaldo's failure to win the competition shows how tough it is as he prepares for his first European Cup final. Jun 2, 2015 Neymar has revealed that he is feeling nervous ahead of his first ever Champions League final for Barcelona against Juventus on Saturday. The Catalans last won the competition in 2011 and the Brazil striker moved to Camp Nou two years later, winning his first trophies this term in the Liga title and the Copa del Rey. His legendary compatriot Ronaldo never won the competition, despite representing Barca, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter during his illustrious career and Neymar is determined to outdo the 38-year-old. "I'm very anxious," he told Globoesporte. "Ronaldo did not win the Champions League, which shows how difficult it is. We have the chance to win and I will do my all to win the title. "The team is happy. There's a good atmosphere, good for work and now we're concentrating on the final. "From the moment that we saw that things were tough for us, we got together and said: 'We have to win for ourselves.'" Barca clash with Juventus in Berlin on Saturday at 20:45CET.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Vidal: Barca are favourites but we can beat them The Chilean midfielder is determined to defy the odds when Juventus clash with the Catalans in the Champions League final on Saturday. Jun 2, 2015 Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has ackowledged that Barcelona are favourites for the upcoming Champions League final. The Bianconeri, who beat the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid en route to the final, are looking to win Europe's top club competition for the first time in 19 years, while the Catalans have won it three times in the last nine seasons. Vidal is looking forward to the "most important" match of his career and says his side have overcome the odds before this year and can do so again in Berlin on Saturday. "You feel so many emotions when you see the game getting closer," he told the club's offical website. "I think it’s a dream to be here, this close to the most important game of my life. "Playing in the final of the Champions League is the ultimate. "Everyone has always said they were favourites against us. And we have shown a different thing on the pitch, so hopefully we can win on Saturday and the favourites can lose."

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Barcelona - Juventus Betting: Can Pirlo or Xavi sign off with a goal in the Champions League final? Two icons of the game are coming to the end of their illustrious careers, yet they still have enough quality to be able to influence Saturday's final in Berlin. Jun 2, 2015 They have dazzled us with their vision and precision for the past decade. Two of the greatest midfielders that Spain and Italy have ever produced, Andrea Pirlo and Xavi Hernandez face each other in Saturday's Champions League both hoping for a final taste of glory. While Xavi's exit from the Camp Nou has been confirmed, Pirlo's future in Turin is not yet decided, although the 36-year-old has promised to bow out if Juve are crowned European champions. 16 months older than his Catalan counterpart, Pirlo has defied his age to produce another super season for the Bianconerri, and his total of four league goals is the second highest of his career. William Hill offer him at to score at anytime and while he has only managed one strike in this season's tournament, his right foot remains as cultured as an afternoon at the Louvre. He's to score in a victory for the Italian champions. Meanwhile, optimistic punters can back him at to score twice on the biggest of stages, something he has never done for Juventus and not managed for a decade in a competitive game. A market that could be of interest for those who believe Pirlo's set piece ability will come to the fore in this game is the on offer that the free kick specialist makes his mark from outside the area. While Pirlo has been more prolific in front of goal than Xavi in the last couple of season, the Barcelona midfielder remains metronomic in his passing, and the 35-year-old has the highest pass completion rate of any player in Europe's major league (of those players who have made more than a thousand passes). Nevertheless, over the last 18 months his influence on the team has undoubtedly diminished and unlike Pirlo he is not likely to start Saturday's showpiece in Berlin. There is however every chance that he will get some minutes in what will be his final game in a Blaugrana shirt, and while he has not scored a Champions League goal since November 2013, romantics could be tempted to back him to get on the scoresheet. He is offered at to score at anytime and at to score the final goal which would surely be a fitting way for him to end a 17 year association with the Catalan club. Despite helping out with many important strikes during his time at the Camp Nou, Xavi has never scored in a Champions League final and he would surely love to sign off with goal, helping Barcelona to an historic second treble and picking up his fourth Champions League winners medal in the process. The Spaniard is to score anytime in a win for the Catalan club.

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA - FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Lippi: ‘Allegri’s Juve like mine’ Jun 2, 2015 Marcello Lippi believes the current Juventus side is following the same path as his all-conquering team from the 90s. Lippi won three Scudetti, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League in his first spell with the Bianconeri, and reached another three European finals, two in the Champions League. The Coach then returned in 2001, winning another two Serie A titles, and reaching the final of Europe’s major club competition again. “You can say that this Juve is following the same path of growth mine did,” Lippi explained in an interview with giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “First success in Italy, then in Europe - maybe intercontinental too one day. You can only get there in one way: three or four European successes, like those against Borussia Dortmund and Real [Madrid]. “In Dortmund, Juventus took control of the pitch, showing awareness of their strengths. Then they scored more than one goal at home to Real. “In Madrid they suffered a bit, but who doesn’t suffer there? And they could even have won. “After three Scudetti under Antonio Conte, Allegri was a real bonus. He hasn’t removed any conviction, but has grown Juve tactically, and they can now play two systems without problems. “In Italy, their dominance is embarrassing. While the others are wondering who will be their next Coach, Juve have made two great signings Sami Khedira and Paulo Dybala, and they’re the ones who needed them least.” The final will be played in Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where Lippi won the World Cup with the national team, and the legendary Coach revealed some advice for Max Allegri. “I phoned him with a mutual friend. I told him, ‘take a day with friends and family and relax’. I think he did. “This isn’t a World Cup. If you’re in the final after a year, then you’re stronger than at the beginning. There’s no need to act like Al Pacino in ‘Any Given Sunday’. “In fact, in Berlin some of the Azzurri spent the night before at Kempinski with a cigarette. What can you say? “One thing about Berlin which nobody knows, is that I came back a few years after the final. “I was invited to a film festival, and one morning, all alone at 8am, I took a taxi to the stadium. I went onto the pitch, and spent 20 minutes just looking.”

Buffon: I had no idea how good Tevez was The Juventus captain has admitted he was blown away by just how quickly the Argentina international settled in Turin. Jun 2, 2015 Gianluigi Buffon claims he had no idea how "sensational" Carlos Tevez was before the Argentine joined Juventus. Tevez arrived in Turin from Manchester City in the summer of 2013, with the Bianconeri paying €14 million for the forward's services. The deal was considered a gamble by some pundits, due to his tumultuous time at the Etihad Stadium. However, he has been a huge success in Italy, firing Juve to back-to-back Serie A titles and the final of this season's Champions League. "Carlos is a player we didn't know and I didn't really know before," Buffon is quoted as saying by Uefa. "But these last two years he has really been an unbelievable surprise because he integrated into the team right away and adapted immediately to our way of working and training. "It is certainly different to English football and also different to the Argentine mentality. "It was something he had to deal with, but he immediately began working hard to try to understand what was being demanded of him. "Now he knows perfectly what he has to do to help the team and to help his team-mates. "He understands at every moment of a match when he has to help out, when he has to make an extra run, when he perhaps needs to commit a foul, or when he has to keep the ball. "He is a really hard worker and just a great man. I am very happy to play alongside him and to have met him." Tevez, whose fine form this season secured him an international recall after three years in international exile, has scored 39 goals in 66 Serie A appearances for Juve.

Pirlo: Manchester United need Pogba The young midfielder left Old Trafford for Turin on a free when his contract expired in 2012 and his elder team-mate believes he can now go on to become the best in Europe. Jun 2, 2015 Juventus' Andrea Pirlo believes Manchester United need Paul Pogba in their midfield, and says he does not understand why they let him leave in the first place. Pogba left United for Turin when his contract expired in 2012, supposedly after growing frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities, and has since blossomed into a key player for the Italian league and cup champions. Pirlo and Pogba will line up alongside each other in the Champions League final against Barcelona on Saturday and the Italian insists United's loss is Juve's gain. "If he carries on the way he is, then he will become the greatest midfield player in Europe - and at his age he could have that title for a long time," Pirlo told The Mirror. "I don’t understand why Manchester United let him go. If you look at their midfield now they could really use a player like him. It might have been a personal issue for Alex Ferguson, because it is clearly nothing to do with ability. "Pogba has never really talked about the situation, but whatever the reasons he left, it has been great news for Juventus." The veteran midfielder also took time to praise former United midfielder Paul Scholes: "I have been so fortunate to have played with so many incredible players throughout my career, but if I could pick one that I never got the chance to play with, it would be Paul Scholes. "One of the all-time greats. A genius on the field, but private - no circus around him off it. I have a lot of respect for him."