Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri doesn’t believe his side are favourites to win the Champions League despite signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Bianconeri begin their European campaign away to Valencia on Wednesday full of confidence, as they have yet to drop a point in Serie A after four matches.
Many have tipped Juve as favourites to win in Europe due to the addition of Ronaldo – who netted his first two goals against Sassuolo on Sunday – but Allegri doesn’t see it that way.
“The goal is to remain amongst the top four teams,” he told the assembled press. “We aren’t the favourites but one of four or five teams that can win, even though this competition can be strange.
“A good performance will boost our confidence. We’ve made a leap forward with Ronaldo, but we must not forget Juve have reached the finals twice in recent seasons.
“This doesn’t mean we are a given to play for the Champions League, though this increases our chances. Tomorrow we must play like a great team.
“A win will make our journey easier, a draw means we are in a good spot, while a defeat means we’ll have to bounce back.”
Douglas Costa was hit with a four-match Serie A ban for spitting at Sassuolo’s Federico Di Francesco, but Allegri made it clear that won’t affect his decision on whether to feature the Brazilian on Wednesday.
“Sunday was an ugly scene and surprised us all, even him,” he added. “He’s asked for forgiveness.
“He will pay for it with a four-match ban. The club won’t appeal it and Douglas will have the chance to show it was an isolated incident.
“If he doesn’t play tomorrow, it will strictly come down to a coaching decision.”
The other Group G match on Wednesday sees Young Boys play host to Manchester United.
