Ex-Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro believes former teammate Gigi Buffon “deserves to lift the Champions League”.
Speaking to GdS, Cannavaro discussed his ex-Juve, Parma and Italy teammate and gave his take on Buffon wanting to avoid Leicester City in the draw.
“Gigi is superstitious, he says that but deep down he’d like it,” Cannavaro told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It would mean that in the Quarter-Finals, Juve would have an excellent chance of continuing their journey. At this point only the best go through.
“Juventus aren’t lacking anything to reach the final. I hope they do, Gigi deserves to lift the Champions League, after winning everything else.
“Allegri has the team defending as 11, so it’s not just the – excellent – defensive line which counts, but also the more aggressive attitude of the team.
“Can the veterans be decisive? Definitely, because in these matches there’s a particular nuance, and those with experience know how to read moments of the game better.
“Above all Barzagli and Chiellini might be more fresh now after their injuries earlier in the season.
“Who are the main challengers? I’m not saying anything new if I say the Spanish teams and Bayern . Carlo Ancelotti has been able to relieve the pressure at Bayern Munich, they’re not favourites but they play really good football.
“Instead it’s Barcelona who are favourites after their spectacular comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. So far Messi hasn’t been at his best, but if he wakes up…
“ Simeone’s Atletico are a tough opponent for anyone, even if they have a little less quality and Real aren’t as spectacular as in previous years, but they’re solid because they have a very strong defence and midfield.
“Juventus have dominated the League for six years, and that’s not good. The Champions League matches are at the highest level, and it’s not easy to step it up.
“It’s not just in Italy though, the Leagues are over in Germany and England too. We’re going more and more toward an elite football, in which the average clubs struggle to keep up not just technically, but in terms of budget.”
