Juventus FC team profile

Juventus FC's European record since their 1997/98 UEFA Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid CF has been below expectations. But since the 2001 return of Marcello Lippi, under who Juventus won the 1996 tournament and reached the next two finals, the 'Old Lady' has been in fine fettle.

Encouraging signs
With 26 goals in the Champions League this season, scoring is not a problem for Juventus. What is particularly encouraging is how many players are able to contribute goals.

Dramatic winners
Alessandro Del Piero, Marco Di Vaio, David Trezeguet - between injuries - and Pavel Nedved have all made their mark, while dramatic winners have also come from substitutes Igor Tudor against RC Deportivo La Coruña and Marcelo Zalayeta at FC Barcelona. Nedved and Edgar Davids provide the creativity in midfield.

Formidable rearguard
However, that would count for little if the backline was not secure. Davids is a fine ballwinner, while Paolo Montero and Lilian Thuram are a formidable defensive partnership, as shown when Juventus were under pressure in Barcelona. Gianluigi Buffon has also proved difficult to beat in goal.

Qualification

Rarely troubled
Negotiating the first group stage was rarely troubling for Juventus once, after a 1-1 draw with Feyenoord, FC Dynamo Kyiv and Newcastle United FC had been beaten. Newcastle won the return, but victories against Feyenoord and at Dynamo ensured Juventus finished four points clear.

Tough group
Manchester United FC, Deportivo and FC Basel awaited in the next phase, and Juventus had to come from two behind to draw the opener in Spain. Basel lost 4-0 in Turin, but a 'flu-ravaged Juventus team fell to consecutive defeats against United. However, Tudor's added-time volley against Deportivo gave Juventus a 3-2 win that meant even defeat at Basel could not halt their progress.

Barcelona triumph
The form team of the group stages, Barcelona, were Juve's quarter-final opponents. Montero's 16th-minute goal gave Juventus the perfect start in their home leg, but Javier Saviola equalised to give Barcelona the psychological edge. Barcelona pushed for victory in the Camp Nou, but Juventus took the lead through Nedved. A combination of Xavi Hernández's equaliser and Davids' dismissal seemed to have done for Juventus, though, but their defence held firm and Zalayeta struck in the 114th minute.

Significant past players: Dino Zoff, Michel Platini

Achievements: European Champion Clubs' Cup winners 1984/85, 1995/96 UEFA Cup winners 1976/77, 1989/90, 1992/93 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup winners 1983/84