Former Juventus boss Marcello Lippi believes the Italians will be no pushovers when they take on Barcelona in the Champions League final.
Lippi, who led the Serie A giants to the title in 1996, accepts the Catalans will be favourites to lift the trophy in Berlin’s Olympiastadion on June 6 but insists Juve will not make it easy.
“Barcelona are favourites but it won’t be a stroll in the park,” the 67-year-old told ‘La Politica nel Pallone’, as reported by Europa Press.
“When a team reaches this stage, the final, they won’t change their style. In my opinion Barcelona have never faced a team as compact and capable of defending like Juventus, who also have the ability to attack when they win the ball back.
“I don’t think Barca will find things as comfortable as they have done up until now. The extra-terrestrial players they have in attack are amazingly good, but they won’t find it easy against the Juve defence or one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gianluigi Buffon.”
Lippi, who announced last November that his coaching career was over after leading Guangzhou Evergrande to the Chinese title, would not be drawn on Juve’s chances of winning the treble, something opponents Barca can also manage this season.
“Others can talk of the treble, those who have the chance to do it or not. They talk from competition to competition.
“Both have won their Leagues and will play in the domestic cup final and then on June 6 they’ll compete for the most important trophy.
“However, it isn’t helpful to be talking about the treble just yet,” he affirmed.
