Legendary Juventus goalkeeper Dino Zoff believes his former side “have everything it takes” to beat Tottenham at Wembley on Wednesday night.
Zoff made over 300 appearances for Juventus and earned more than 100 caps for the Italian national side between 1968 and 1983.
Spurs came from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the first leg in Turin and are now favourites to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
But Juventus come into the second leg in fine form while also welcoming the returning Paulo Dybala, who missed the reverse fixture through injury.
Despite Tottenham’s two away goals, Zoff insists Juventus are the stronger side going into Wednesday’s clash.
“Juventus have everything it takes to get through to the quarter-finals,” he said (via Football Italia).
“I consider Juventus to be without a shadow of doubt stronger than Tottenham Hotspur. Thanks also to the experience of many of their players, they can do it.”
While Juventus are obviously one of the strongest teams in Europe, Spurs were arguably the better side in the first leg.
The hosts took a 2-0 lead within nine minutes, but Mauricio Pochettino’s men fought back and dominated the match, creating enough chances to take a draw back to Wembley.
With that in mind, Zoff’s claim is perhaps a little biased. But Tottenham will know they must be wary of Juventus’ threats, particularly with Dybala returning to the side.
Bigger reputation, certainly, more experienced players, yes, but stronger? NO!
How can Zoff say this when Spurs came to Juve’s backyard and, for two thirds of
that game, had them on the ropes?! But let him say what he likes.
Spurs will be respectful but nor fearful, and while Juve now know what Spurs
are about, it remains to be seen whether they can handle the battle second time
around on our patch.
We hear all this hype of Juventus being a powerhouse with pedigree and what not! Good heavens, are these pundits and former Juventus players saying Spurs must just concede the game and hand it to the more experienced Juventus? Give us a break people, Spurs did not just get placed at this stage of the competition, they played and qualified just like every team that is present at this point! Let’s hear what all these experts say at the end of the game tonight and the score is reading Tottenham 3 – Juventus 1!
Old codger!