Fabio Capello has claimed that Real Madrid are the best team left in this season’s Champions League.
No club have successfully defended the European cup since the competition’s overhaul in 1992, but the Coach – who managed Los Blancos for two separate stints in 1996-97 and 2006-07 – believes his former side can end that hoodoo.
“Absolutely not [did Madrid get the easiest tie],” the veteran told Tuttosport.
“Due to my past, I have an affinity for Madrid. In any case, we’re talking about a great team [in Juve], who are on par with Barcelona and Bayern [Munich].
“Of the three, [Carlo] Ancelotti's team are the strongest and most complete defensively.”
However, Capello warned Madrid “anything can happen” in the semi-finals, identifying Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo’s as their biggest threats ahead of the tie.
“Anything can happen. Juventus have players with great quality,” the ex-Juve boss added.
“[Carlos] Tevez is a great player, he’s one of the few who can really make a difference, but there’s also [Andrea] Pirlo.
“He’s a champion. When I coached Juventus, I had some good players, but none like him. He’ll be a key player [in the tie].”
“Juve can play and beat anyone, even Real Madrid. The match in Italy [the first leg] will be very important, and the No. 1 rule is not to concede at home.
“If you can keep a clean sheet, you arrive at the [Santiago] Bernabeu with a peace of mind, while Madrid may begin to worry.
“[Paul] Pogba is a genius like [Diego] Maradona and Pele. He’s complete, young and always improving.
“It’ll be up to [Madrid] to decide [if they want Pogba], but if [Gareth[ Bale is worth €100m then…”