Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stated that the upcoming Europa League clash against Benfica is a match worthy of the Champions League.
Like Juventus, Benfica were eliminated in the group stage of the main European competition.
“We have the maximum attention and respect for Benfica,” Buffon said in the pre-game press conference on Wednesday.
“We consider them a team with an all-around European dimension and they are in Europa League by accident like us.
“They come from a lost final against Chelsea last year and they have the skills and characteristics to put us in trouble.”
He pointed out the players he fears the most.
“As a goalkeeper, usually the strikers are the ones who are more likely to ruin my night and I think [Oscar] Cardozo, Lima and Luisao, even if he is not a striker when he goes forward he can score.
“The traps will be brought especially by a tactical organization that tries to enhance the offensive qualities of the whole team.”
Playing the final at home is a unique opportunity: “It is unusual to have the possibility to play the final in your stadium.
“We would like to be there, the final is still far away.
“Benfica will travel to Turin in the return leg to prevent us in any way from achieving this goal.”
He remarked on what satisfactions this cup is giving him.
“I have seen a lot but I have not seen everything yet, I still have a bit of career ahead of me, also for Juventus.
“Even though this has been the result of a disappointment, it can become an important opportunity for us to find European awareness and you can gain that only by winning.
“There are only two European competitions and therefore only two teams will be able to win a trophy, so we have to enjoy it and do our best to see where we can arrive.”
He was asked what he is expecting from the team and added: “When I speak of an opportunity to chart an important European course I mean that for many players it can be the occasion to feel certain sensations and emotions.
“It will be a good test for everybody, also for the ones who already lived it: Benfica-Juventus is like a Champions League game.”
