Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is ready for a hard game against Atletico Madrid but insists the Italians know their Champions League rivals.
Atletico are already through to the knockout stage but would qualify as runners-up of Group A if they fell to a two-goal defeat at Juventus Stadium, while the Serie A champions need a point to confirm their progress.
Marchisio has spoken at a Press conference ahead of Tuesday’s encounter and reflected on the first meeting between the sides, which ended in a 1-0 win for Los Colchoneros thanks to Arda Turan’s goal.
“Regardless of preparing ourselves yesterday, today and tomorrow, we know them,” he acknowledged.
“We already met them in the reverse fixture, we know their characteristics, they are very strong on set pieces.
“It's important to remember that Atletico Madrid have won four games out of five in the Champions League, and only conceded a goal in the first game that they lost against Olympiacos.
“We saw how hard it was in the first game, even though we played a great match, so we know how hard it's going to be tomorrow evening regardless of the standings in the group.
“I am of the idea that we've got to take to the field and as always try and win the game, as in all games in Serie A as well as in the Champions League.”
Marchisio shared his belief that the Old Lady haven’t had a more important fixture so far this season, such is the worth of continuing in Europe in the New Year.
“We worked hard and we worked well in these last few months to reach this point in the season,” he added.
“Now there's the most important game of the year no matter how you look at it and we can't get anything wrong.
“We've got the good fortune of playing this game at home, with our fans who will be on our side and that will warm up the ambience.
“So we are ready to face the game of the year.”
