Champions League favourites? Bernardeschi talks up Juventus credentials

Federico Bernardeschi believes Juventus' strength in depth means it deserves to be considered frontrunners to win the Champions League.

Published : Sep 12, 2018 11:12 IST

Federico Bernardeschi and Cristiano Ronaldo together at Juventus.
Federico Bernardeschi and Cristiano Ronaldo together at Juventus.
lightbox-info

Federico Bernardeschi and Cristiano Ronaldo together at Juventus.

Juventus has assembled a squad worthy of being considered Champions League favourite, according to Federico Bernardeschi.

The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, the competition's all-time leading scorer, has boosted the Bianconeri's hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time since 1996.

Superstar forward Ronaldo was instrumental to Juve's exit in each of the previous two campaigns, scoring twice for Real Madrid in the 2017 final and then converting a controversial late penalty in last season's quarter-finals.

Massimiliano Allegri's men must first survive a tough group containing Manchester United, Valencia and Young Boys if they are to deliver on Bernardeschi's confidence, but the Italy forward is adamant he and his team-mates can go all the way.

"I feel this year we have a strong, complete squad with great players," the 24-year-old told Sky Sport Italy .

"We are perhaps the favourite to win the Champions League, even if it will not be easy because it remains a very special competition and things can change at any moment.

"It will be a great challenge. We feel strong enough to do the best we can, but obviously we have to prove it on the field."

Bernardeschi has started two of Juve's three successive victories this Serie A season, scoring in the 3-2 win at Chievo on the opening weekend.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment