MATCH PREVIEW
After failing to reach the knockout stage last year, Juventus are seeking only their second Champions League last eight appearance since 2006.
The Serie A leaders, who look to be on course for a fourth successive title, struggled in the group stages this season before finishing second behind Atletico Madrid to qualify for the last 16.
"Our group is strong and has grown steadily over these past few years," central defender Giorgio Chiellini said. "Now we also want to show how far we've come on the European scene.
"We must approach the Champions League with enthusiasm, but at the same time be aware of the responsibility we have in flying the flag for Italy in Europe."
In contrast, Dortmund are in the last 16 for the third year running after losing only one match to finish ahead of Arsenal in the group stage.
Their Bundesliga fortunes have been less impressive this season, although three successive league victories have lifted them out of the relegation zone after their worst ever start to a season.
"It will take a while before we find ourselves in a different situation in the Bundesliga," manager Jurgen Klopp said. "Until then, the pressure remains. The Champions League is a whole different story."
The German side, who beat Juventus when they last met in the 1997 final, have picked up form domestically since the return to fitness of striker Marco Reus.
He has scored three goals and had an assist in Dortmund's last three matches, as well as signing a new contract with the club.
"It's going to be about which team is more focused, which team has more desire," said Reus. "We have to use the few chances we are going to get against such a good defensive team. We want to get a good result for the second leg."
Team News
Juventus
Kwadwo Asamoah is sidelined through injury and will miss the welcome of Borussia Dortmund.
Massimiliano Allegri could be without Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone and Alessandro Matri, with the trio classed as doubts.
The Italian is expected to recall Patrice Evra, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal to the starting XI after the trio did not start Friday's 2-1 win over Atalanta.
Borussia Dortmund
Kevin Großkreutz is Jurgen Klopp's only main injury concern for the tough trip to Turin.
The German boss, though, is sweating on the fitness of quintet Sven Bender, Erik Durm, Mats Hummels, Ciro Immobile and Sebastian Kehl.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan could come in in place of Kevin Kampl, in what may be Klopp's only change from the side that defeated VfB Stuttgart 3-2 on Friday night.
Statistics
JUVENTUS
Juventus have won 50%, drawn 40% and lost 10% of their last 20 home European games.
Juventus have kept a clean sheet in 9 of their last 20 home European games, going on to win 6 and draw 3 of these matches.
Juventus have failed to score in 4 of their last 20 home European games, going on to draw 3 and lose 1 of these matches.
DORTMUND
Dortmund have won 37%, drawn 21% and lost 42% of their last 19 away European games.
Dortmund have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 19 away European games, going on to win 2 and draw 1 of these matches.
Dortmund have failed to score in 6 of their last 19 away European games, going on to draw 1 and lose 5 of these matches.
0 comments:
Post a Comment