Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has admitted that Atletico Madrid are the favourites to secure a victory in their Champions League meeting with the Old Lady, but believes that the Italian side may have found new motivation under coach Massimiliano Allegri.
The Bianconeri will be heading to the Vicente Calderon Stadium to take on the Rojiblancos on Wednesday and the 39-year-old thinks Diego Simeone’s tactical intelligence could lead the Spanish side to a win over the reigning Serie A champions.
Del Piero spoke to Marca about the group stage match between Juventus and Atletico Madrid and commented on the legacy that former Juve coach Antonio Conte has left at the Turin club.
“It will be a great match, Atletico is one of the best teams in Europe and when you compare the numbers they’re considered as the favourites,” said the veteran forward.
“Simeone is a very intelligent person, a professional who has great confidence in his own ideas and is able to stimulate his whole team, he possesses a great intelligence.
“Allegri has his game well defined and did not want to clearly alter the mechanisms of a team with a game that works.
“Conte has given so much to Juventus and has great merit in his three consecutive championships as coach, his achievements are indisputable.
“However, Juventus are a great team and sometimes change can allow a team to find a new energy.”
