Juve ready for continental comeback

Return to Europe
A 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal FC ended Juve's most recent European participation at the quarter-final stage in 2005/06, since when their enforced relegation has kept them out of UEFA competition until their third-place Serie A finish last season. Slovakian champions Artmedia exited in the group stage that season but having ousted Valetta FC and Tampere United this time around, they face a formidable challenge to match that previous run.

Injured duo
The Bianconeri have competed in the group stage ten times and only once, against Djurgårdens IF FF in 2004, have they had to come through qualifying. They now must do so without midfielders Marco Marchionni and Cristiano Zanetti – who have both been ruled out for a month with torn thigh muscles – and Paolo De Ceglie, Claudio Marchisio and Sebastian Giovinco who are all in Italy's Olympic squad. Croatian defender Dario Knežević is doubtful with a twisted knee.

Preparations
Still in pre-season, Juve have been preparing hard and coach Claudio Ranieri – who has led Valencia CF and Chelsea FC in this competition – is happy with their summer tests against many of Europe's top clubs. "I'm very satisfied about the way the squad played in the summer friendlies, especially against Manchester [United FC]," the 56-year-old said. "We showed our defensive strength and overcame a stern test against the European champions. There is no better way to approach the game against Artmedia. Moreover, we can count on Gianluigi Buffon. He adds value to the rest of the squad."

Kamenár meets hero
One man who agrees with that is Artmedia goalkeeper Ľuboš Kamenár, who idolises Buffon to the extent that, according to Šport newspaper, he named his dog after the Italian. "I am really looking forward to these two games," Kamenár said. "It will be a huge experience for me and of course for all the team. I am only 21, the last time that Artmedia played in the Champions League group stage I only sat on the bench. Now I am in a different position. I will really enjoy the moment when I stand on the pitch beside such a hero as Gianluigi Buffon."

Hipp tips Juve
Michal Hipp, assistant to Artmedia coach Vladimír Weiss – who looks set to leave after the tie to concentrate on the Slovakian national job – also admires the two-time European champions. "For sure Juventus are favourites," Hipp said. "They are a big team with great individuals, but we want to go there to fight for our chance, not to be there and just playing football. We want to cause a surprise." Artmedia have had extra rest after their scheduled league match last weekend was postponed due to opponents FC Spartak Trnava having been struck by a stomach bug following a UEFA Cup trip at the end of last month.