Post by Taxigirl on Dec 13, 2003 9:36:55 GMT
Juventus will face Deportivo La Coruna for the fourth year on the trot and Igor Tudor hopes to repeat his stunning winner from last season.
“I think that of the seven potential opponents perhaps we picked the most dangerous,” sighed the Croatian international.
His last-gasp volley in last season’s Group phase assured Juve of a 3-2 victory in Turin and passage to the next round.
“Right now the Spanish side is stronger than Bayern Munich, so this is worst draw we could have possibly had.”
On their way to the Final last May, the Bianconeri had a good run against the Spaniards by beating Deportivo, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“This is a difficult draw,” added teammate Ciro Ferrara, “and it will be in the balance until the last minute.”
Worryingly, Juventus have never won at the Riazor Stadium, gathering just two draws and a defeat.
Last season Marcello Lippi’s men fought back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 result thanks to Alessandro Birindelli’s screamer.
“All the Spanish sides play good football,” assured Birindelli, “and Depor proved that last year. We must have the same determination and concentration that allowed us to overturn that 2-0 deficit and win the second leg.”
Deportivo tactician Javier Irureta also laughed at this bizarre coincidence of facing the same team for four years running.
“We know Juventus well. After all, we play them every season in the Champions’ League. It’ll be a tough tie and we must ensure a solid lead from the first leg in Spain.”