Canna: We must beat Juve

Canna: We must beat Juve

Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro believes they must defeat his old club Juventus on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

The Neapolitan, who captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, played for the Bianconeri between 2004 and 2006 before moving to Spain in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal.

“I have great confidence in our squad, we are very strong,” said Cannavaro. “It is my dream to win the Champions League, it is the only trophy that I lack.

“I still have many years to win it,” the 35-year-old explained. “But it is better to make a move for it now.”

Madrid are currently second in Group H, a point behind Juventus who beat them 2-1 in Turin two weeks ago.

“To win this year we have to above all pass the first round and then get to March with a full squad. Everything has happened to us in the last two seasons and we have arrived at the decisive moment with injuries.”

Speaking on Spanish national radio, Cannavaro also shed light on the plans he has for his own future.

“I am in no hurry to decide. I only know that I want to continue to play at a high level. Then I will speak with the director and we will choose the best situation for both of us.”

Cannavaro has been repeatedly linked with his hometown club Napoli over the last year and he admits he has thought of going back to where it all started.

“I am very well in Madrid and my family is happy. But I am Neapolitan and, as I have said on various occasions, one day I would like to return to my city to finish my career. The fact is I wish to play at the highest level.”

Turning back to tomorrow's match with Juventus, Cannavaro offered his thoughts on what he expects from his old teammates.

“We lost the first leg and I didn't like it. I like even less to play against Italian teams. We have to win.

“They arrive having won four games in a row, with more security in their own means and it will be a difficult game.

“But I believe Real can win,” he concluded. “We have to not concede, though, because it is fundamental for a great team not to concede.”

Cannavaro had one final word to say on Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero, who was superb against Roma at the weekend.

“He is like Raul. They said that he was old, that it was time for him to retire. But it is him that resolves the important games.”

*chan4