Ranieri: «We worked really hard to get here and we want to continue»

Ranieri: «We worked really hard to get here and we want to continue»

The wait is finally over. The two weeks after the first leg flew away and in just over 24 hours we will know whom between Juventus and Chelsea will proceed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The 1-0 obtained by the English team at Stamford Bridge is a result which forces the bianconeri to a great feat. A feat which has become even more difficult due to the injuries over Legrottaglie, Marchionni and Sissoko apart from that of Camoranesi who was hurt during against the blues. However, if it is through that the true Juventus always emerged during times of difficulty then even this time Ranieri’s team is ready for battle: «I am sure we will play a great match irrelevant of who plays – commented the coach -. I have great players who have already shown their worth. Juventus is the history of Italian and European football and whoever wears this jersey always gives his very best. Tomorrow night we will have to bring out even more then the best».

With the qualification to the Coppa Italia final still possible ( the 2-1 defeat suffered away to Lazio is more then recoverable) and with championship hopes still alive, the bianconeri will therefore attempt to proceed also with their march in Europe. The importance of the Champions League is known to all and we want to confirm this: «We worked very hard to get into this competition and now we want to stay. We have all the international exposure at stake and this is both beautiful and stimulating. We must not forget that there are also another two competitions in which we still have a lot to show».

In order to remain in the competition, Ranieri will have to face somewhat of a soft-spot, Chelsea to which he contributed in making great and who now want to attempt the assault on the Champions League after they saw it slip away following penalties last year. «Hiddink will propose his mode of play trying to occupy all the zones on the field with his 4-3-3. One of the weapons of this team is the fighting spirit and this seems to have returned after the change of coach. Chelsea is once again a war machine which was built by spending lots of money».

*juventus.com