Juventus have nothing to lose against FC Barcelona, who many expect will win the Uefa Champions League final on Saturday.
It is no secret that Barça boast an incredible attack in Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez.
But observing Juve closely in both the Champions League and the Serie A this season brought back memories of why the Italian league used to be rated the best in the world – and why it has attracted some big names in world football.
The Old Lady boast a solid force that can match Barça’s composition: the Italians have the commanding Gianluigi Buffon in goal; Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in central defence; Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner at left back and right back, respectively; Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba in midfield; Carlos Tevez and Álvaro Morata in the attack.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri can easily deploy these players in any of his trusted patterns of 4-3-1-2 (an all-out attacking approach) or a 5-3-2 formation that can easily frustrate an opposition as dangerous as Barça in midfield and on attack.
If Juve opt for a more defensive approach – which is something Italian clubs are known for – the fullbacks are often called to push forward to compensate on the wings.
This is how the Serie A champions disposed of Atlético Madrid, Borrusia Dortmund, AS Monaco and Real Madrid en route to the final.
And it is why the club’s legendary player Pavel Nedved – who is now Juventus’ director – has said this final “is a single match that will be decided by current form”