After their opening day loss at the hands of Paris Saint Germain, the importance of Juve’s clash with Benfica is not lost on anyone.
Max Allegri’s men simply cannot afford a second loss in their second Champions League group game. Even before the start of the tournament, the strategist had highlighted the Iberians as their direct opponents for a place in the round of 16.
In his daily column for Calciomercato, Mario Sconcerti highlights the importance of the clash between Juventus and Benfica.
The Italian journalist describes it as the Bianconeri’s biggest game this season, believing a win would launch a club campaign that did not take off in a positive way.
Sconcerti asks for a solid performance from the Italians, who only have to worry about ensuring victory, regardless of the quality of the game.
“There are times when it is the event that brings energy, not beauty, not solutions, but sudden strength,” the veteran journalist wrote.
“With Benfica it is the most important game of the season, because it closes or opens the doors on its own.
“This is a Juve match, any Juve. Allegri or Carcano, Conte or Lippi. I believe in this crooked Juventus. I see a potential in him that I don’t see in other teams.
“But tonight they have to win regardless of how they play. Do you remember how everyone celebrated the victory against Chelsea with Chiesa’s goal? An encore is needed tonight.”
