Chiellini: We will believe until the end

The task looks a steep one, but Giorgio Chiellini says Juventus fans are "certainly dreaming" of going through against FC Bayern München, while the player himself has no lack of belief.

Last week's 2-0 quarter-final first-leg loss in southern Germany brought Juventus's 18-game unbeaten run in Europe to a shuddering halt. Nevertheless, sitting nine points clear atop Serie A, the Bianconeri's supporters have not lost faith in their team according to Chiellini. "Certainly our fans are dreaming that we can do it," the centre-back said.

"They've been looking forward to this game since Saturday and we can feel it," the 28-year-old Italian international continued, "but that doesn't mean we can just go on an all-out attack, because they would hit us on the break. We have to play our usual game."

Only five sides have come back from a two-goal first-leg deficit in UEFA Champions League history. Chiellini and company do not have to look too far back for the most recent occasion, with FC Barcelona overturning an identical 2-0 away defeat by Juve's fellow Italians AC Milan in the last round.

The Turin outfit also recognise how well they will have to play to do likewise. "We want to play a great game, we believe in it and we'll believe in it to the end," Chiellini added. "We will leave the field without regrets, whatever happens. We know we're up against a great side, but we know we can do well too. We can't wait to get out on the pitch tomorrow."

The tie is not over from Bayern's point of view either, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saying: "Yes, we got a good result in the first leg, but we cannot sit on that. We've got to have the right attitude and concentrate."

Confirmed as German champions last weekend, Bayern can fully focus on their bid for a fifth European title. "It's going to be a great atmosphere and we've got to keep our cool," Neuer, 27, went on. "We mustn't let them get many shots in and hopefully get an away goal to help us. It was definitely important to wrap up the Bundesliga title on Saturday."

Neuer knows the threat the Italian title holders carry – with the commitment to the cause that Chiellini spoke of being a given. "Juve will try to give everything they've got to beat us," he said, while midfielder Arjen Robben added that his team could kill off the contest if they approach it in the right manner: "We've come here to score because we know how important an away goal is."