Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has paid tribute to Juventus, saying they are a club ‘born to play in the Champions League’.
The Turin club failed to qualify for either European competition this season, but a remarkable start to 2011/12 sees Antonio Conte’s side sitting on top of Serie A without losing a game.
Guidolin’s side, three points behind the leaders in third place, will play their first match in Juve’s new stadium on Saturday, and the 56-year-old was full of praise for their upcoming opponents.
“Juve were born in the Champions League. Conte plays good football, worthy of the new stadium. But we will play with incredible courage,” Guidolin told Correire Dello Sport.
The former Palermo boss went on to praise Barcelona in the wake of their 4-3 aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, but voiced his belief that Italian teams can compete with Pep Guardiola’s side.
“Real Madrid were courageous and showed that the distance between the two is not so large any more. But Barca had more certainty, more self-esteem, and of course are a great team,” he said.
“I don’t put much emphasis on the foreign leagues. I’m convinced our league can easily compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid. I’m not only thinking of Milan, but of Juventus too.”
Guidolin went on to say that the English Premier League is interesting to watch, but lacks the technique of some other European leagues.
“The Premier League is fascinating for the atmosphere, but the technical quality isn’t extraordinary,” he said.
