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Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin: Juventus were born for the Champions League
Speaking ahead of his side's trip to Turin this weekend, the 56-year-old praises his opponents' stature and says Italian teams can compete with their Spanish counterparts
Jan 27, 2012 11:30:00 AM
By Enis Koylu
Getty Images
Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has voiced his belief that Juventus are a club that were born to play Champions League football.
The Turin club failed to qualify for either European competition this season, but a remarkable start to 2011-12 has has ensured Antonio Conte's side sit at the summit of Serie A without losing a single game.
Guidolin's side will play their first match at the Turin club's new stadium on Saturday, and the 56-year-old was full of praise for their upcoming opponents.
"Juve were born in the Champions League. Conte plays good football, worthy of the new stadium. But we will play with incredible courage," Guidolin told the Correire Dello Sport.
The former Palermo boss went on to praise Barcelona in the wake of their aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, but voice his belief that Italian teams can compete with Pep Guardiola's side.
"Real Madrid were courageous and showed that the distance between the two is not so large any more. But Barca had more certainty, more self-esteem, and of course are a great team.
"I don't put much emphasis on the foreign leagues. I'm convinced our league can easily compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid. I'm not only thinking of Milan, but of Juventus too."
Finally, Guidolin went on to say that the Premier League is interesting to watch, but has a dearth of technique.
"The Premier League is fascinating for the atmosphere, but the technical quality isn't extraordinary."
Udinese's first trip to the Juventus stadium kicks off at 20.45 CET on Saturday.
| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £85.00 | Draw £55.00 | Barcelona £12.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £95.00 | Draw £55.00 | Barcelona £12.90 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £90.00 | Draw £50.00 | Barcelona £13.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £90.00 | Draw £60.00 | Barcelona £12.90 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £87.00 | Draw £53.00 | Barcelona £12.50 |
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The Turin club failed to qualify for either European competition this season, but a remarkable start to 2011-12 has has ensured Antonio Conte's side sit at the summit of Serie A without losing a single game.
Guidolin's side will play their first match at the Turin club's new stadium on Saturday, and the 56-year-old was full of praise for their upcoming opponents.
"Juve were born in the Champions League. Conte plays good football, worthy of the new stadium. But we will play with incredible courage," Guidolin told the Correire Dello Sport.
The former Palermo boss went on to praise Barcelona in the wake of their aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, but voice his belief that Italian teams can compete with Pep Guardiola's side.
"Real Madrid were courageous and showed that the distance between the two is not so large any more. But Barca had more certainty, more self-esteem, and of course are a great team.
"I don't put much emphasis on the foreign leagues. I'm convinced our league can easily compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid. I'm not only thinking of Milan, but of Juventus too."
Finally, Guidolin went on to say that the Premier League is interesting to watch, but has a dearth of technique.
"The Premier League is fascinating for the atmosphere, but the technical quality isn't extraordinary."
Udinese's first trip to the Juventus stadium kicks off at 20.45 CET on Saturday.
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