Bullish Juve a chilling prospect

Gigi Buffon is not given to false modesty.

“We have total respect for the European champions, they have been among the best for the past 10 years,” the Juventus captain told the Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday, “but we are at the same level and I believe that if we play our cards right, we can win.”

Juventus have a right to feel confident. Together with group leaders Shakhtar, they have been top of their league for longer than any other side in Europe. But the Italian champions feel they have to win this match to stay in the tournament. Their last match is against Shakhtar and, having had the worst of a draw at home against the Ukrainian-Brazilians, the prospect of visiting Donetsk in December needing three points is chilling.