JUVENTUS coach Claudio Ranieri says reputations will be on the line for both sides when the Italian giant takes on Melbourne Victory at Telstra Dome on Friday.
To see Juventus in Melbourne today...(and it actually works now!)
While on paper it would seem little more than an inter-club friendly, which is more about cultural celebration than quality football, Ranieri, who arrived in Australia today, said players on both sides had plenty of motivation to perform well.
"Juventus has a magnificent history in Italy and in the world. We miss some champion players, but for us it's important to play well in front of thousands of fans," he said.
"All the friendly matches are import for the young players. It's important to play international matches, in China, here in Australia, the experience is very important."
But Ranieri said his eyes will not only be on his own players, and he is keen to check out what the Victory has to offer.
"I'm watching everything when I am out here," he said.
When asked whether he would look to add more Australian players to a squad which already included goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan, Ranieri said he was always open to ideas.
"I am looking at the Australian players, because for me the Australian players have good mentality. And good quality. Why not? I have managed Vanstrattan and Vince Grella. All the coaches are always looking, not only in Italy," he said.
Juventus has been linked with out-of-contract Socceroo Harry Kewell, but the former Chelsea, Valencia, Parma and Atletico Madrid manager said at this stage they were nothing but rumours.
Defender Jonathan Zebina said that the squad were tired having already played matches in China on this leg of the tour, but the players were excited with the prospect of playing in front of a crowd of 50,000 on Friday.
"We need to rest up a little bit because of the long flights. The jetlag is starting to be a bit heavy. We have three days to get some rest and be ready because all the people were expect us to perform well," the Frenchman said.
"We will prepare like Juventus is used to being prepared. Whatever players are missing the most important thing with Juventus is their mentality. We have young players, but they are ready."
He said he believes that the expected pro-Juventus crowd will help lift his team-mates.
"I hope it's an advantage for us because we have travelled a lot and are a bit tired. But we have no excuses. We have to be strong, not just for us, but for our supporters who come and are expecting something special. Maybe they don't see Del Piero or Trezeguet but the fact is, it's a big chance for the players here. For these players is a really big opportunity."
Ranieri wouldn't predict a scoreline, but he did say it will be an open game and that Juventus always expects to win.
To see Juventus in Melbourne today...(and it actually works now!)
While on paper it would seem little more than an inter-club friendly, which is more about cultural celebration than quality football, Ranieri, who arrived in Australia today, said players on both sides had plenty of motivation to perform well.
"Juventus has a magnificent history in Italy and in the world. We miss some champion players, but for us it's important to play well in front of thousands of fans," he said.
"All the friendly matches are import for the young players. It's important to play international matches, in China, here in Australia, the experience is very important."
But Ranieri said his eyes will not only be on his own players, and he is keen to check out what the Victory has to offer.
"I'm watching everything when I am out here," he said.
When asked whether he would look to add more Australian players to a squad which already included goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan, Ranieri said he was always open to ideas.
"I am looking at the Australian players, because for me the Australian players have good mentality. And good quality. Why not? I have managed Vanstrattan and Vince Grella. All the coaches are always looking, not only in Italy," he said.
Juventus has been linked with out-of-contract Socceroo Harry Kewell, but the former Chelsea, Valencia, Parma and Atletico Madrid manager said at this stage they were nothing but rumours.
Defender Jonathan Zebina said that the squad were tired having already played matches in China on this leg of the tour, but the players were excited with the prospect of playing in front of a crowd of 50,000 on Friday.
"We need to rest up a little bit because of the long flights. The jetlag is starting to be a bit heavy. We have three days to get some rest and be ready because all the people were expect us to perform well," the Frenchman said.
"We will prepare like Juventus is used to being prepared. Whatever players are missing the most important thing with Juventus is their mentality. We have young players, but they are ready."
He said he believes that the expected pro-Juventus crowd will help lift his team-mates.
"I hope it's an advantage for us because we have travelled a lot and are a bit tired. But we have no excuses. We have to be strong, not just for us, but for our supporters who come and are expecting something special. Maybe they don't see Del Piero or Trezeguet but the fact is, it's a big chance for the players here. For these players is a really big opportunity."
Ranieri wouldn't predict a scoreline, but he did say it will be an open game and that Juventus always expects to win.
To see Juventus in Melbourne today...(and it actually works now!)
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