Antonio Conte has recognised the challenge his Juventus side face this season in playing Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages.
The Italian champions will meet Los Blancos in the third and fourth matchdays of Group B of the European competition this season.
“I said last season before the quarter-final that it was important to understand [where we were along the path] that started two years ago – Bayern gave us a lot of answers,” began Conte in conversation with Champions Matchday magazine.
“This season the team have more experience and that's important. A lot of our players were playing in the Champions League for the first time last term.
“In Real Madrid we are facing one of the most ambitious teams, because of their history, their investments and their hunt for a 10th title.
“It will be a nice challenge – and an indicator of how we are developing.”
Conte will come up against compatriot Carlo Ancelotti in these games. Ancelotti coached Conte as a player for two years at Juventus.
“It's quite a few years since Carlo coached me. I spent two years with him, and they were wonderful, intense times.
“It was inevitable we'd meet again, Coach to Coach. That means he is getting old. Me too!”
