Juventus take on Borussia Dortmund in Turin on Tuesday evening in the first-leg of their Champions League’s Round of 16 tie, but can the Bianconeri make it past this German opponent after failing against Bayern Munich two seasons ago?
It will be difficult to second guess which Dortmund side will turn up. Earlier in the season their Bundesliga form was woeful and relegation was on the cards yet they continued to perform admirably in Europe. Yet now their league form has picked up and it will be interesting to see if that transfers into two impressive displays against the Bianconeri.
It is a tough test for the who are desperate to prove their worth in Europe after some disappointing recent displays. Juve last met a German side in the knockout stage in the 2012-13 season when they were routinely eliminated by eventual winners Bayern Munich. Dortmund however can be expected to pose a very different test when compared to a Munich side that was completely on top of its game and a marvel to behold.
The pressure weighs heavier on the Italians than it does the Germans. The likes of Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon will be desperate to do something special with their careers approaching their expiry dates, while younger starts such as Paul Pogba will want to prove themselves on the big stage, and especially given his chances of doing something really special at Juve are depleting with the constant speculation of a big money move.
Things should be slightly easier this time against Dortmund than what they were against Munich two years ago. Dortmund are still a good team with lots of talented players, who have the energy to pressurise anybody, but they are not the freaks of nature that Bayern are.
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Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp has been vague in the run-up to the fixture and spoken of the importance of tactics in Italian football and his desire to make a few mysterious tactical calls of his own. It would be a bold. but understandable, move were he to ditch the 4-2-3-1 formation that lacks an out-and-out centre forward with none of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ciro Immobile or Adrian Ramos able to lead the line as Robert Lewandowski once did.
However, Dortmund will be confident in going into the game in Turin as they are coming off the back of a rare run of good form in the Bundesliga, winning their last three games.
Juve will likely be better at holding possession and recycling the ball with the likes of Pogba, Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo in the centre of the pitch but BVB have dangerous players such as Marco Reus, Kevin Kampl and Aubameyang who can run at defenders with pace.
It will be a real challenge for the Bianconeri despite the fact that many consider them to be the favourites.
Italian teams have at times struggled in Europe to deal with high pressing play and Dortmund are renowned for their gegenpressing. Even though they may be somewhat on the decline after reaching the Champions League final two seasons ago, they are still are formidable opponent. Juve will want to be smart and may let Dortmund tire themselves out rather than try to beat them at their own intense game.
The tie should be easier for the Old Lady than their clash with Bayern Munich from two seasons ago as they have kicked on under Massimiliano Allegri and the opponent is weaker. The key thing is that Juventus remain calm and do not become intimidated by the occasion in front of them and the knowledge that time is running out for the old guard to make history in the Champions League.
Juventus are more than capable of beating Dortmund over two legs, but everyone will have to be at their best and above all they must be intelligent, patient and win the tactical battle.
