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Rock-solid Juventus up for Chelsea bout

Juventus want to see their stadium "rocking" against a Chelsea FC side out to end their hosts' Group E hopes, with Roberto Di Matteo saying: "We owe ourselves a good performance".

Rock-solid Juventus up for Chelsea bout
Rock-solid Juventus up for Chelsea bout ©UEFA.com

Knowing that a home loss to Chelsea FC could end Juventus's UEFA Champions League hopes, assistant coach Angelo Alessio wants a "rocking" stadium right behind the Italian side on Tuesday night. Holders Chelsea are definitely through with victory and all but there with a draw, and Roberto Di Matteo said: "We owe ourselves a good performance."

Juventus
Angelo Alessio, assistant coach
We know, without beating about the bush, that it's all or nothing and we want to go through. We will take to the field with our customary determination and will to win. Of course, we could take our chances better. We know how good their goalkeeper is, but we have to create lots of chances. They are the European champions, have strengthened with three or four good players, so they need to be respected as a team. At the same time, we know how strong we are and we will be playing them on an equal footing.

If we do well, we can go through, if we are not so good, we will play in the Europa League, but we know we have achieved something already and we have faith in the fans – Antonio [Conte] has told me he wants to see the stadium rocking. [Roberto Di Matteo] did something extraordinary last season and he is showing his ability again this year. We're pleased when an Italian coach does so well in England. We don't expect Chelsea to not come out and attack us – they are not a side who sit back and wait to hit you on the counterattack. They have great attackers and I cannot see them playing any other way.

Weekend result
Saturday: Juventus 0-0 S.S. Lazio
Buffon; Cáceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla (Pepe 70), Vidal, Pogba (Bendtner 84), Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Quagliarella (Matri 67).

• Juventus failed to win at home in Serie A for the second consecutive game. They had prevailed in all five league matches in Turin this term prior to the 3-1 loss to FC Internazionale Milano on 3 November.

Team news
Mirko Vučinić missed the weekend draw because of flu and Alessio said: "He is still a bit weak. We hope he can train today then we will see if he can play." Simone Pepe made his first appearance of the season against Lazio having recovered from the thigh injury he suffered in the summer.

Chelsea
Roberto Di Matteo, manager
At the moment we are thinking positive and we played a very good game at home against Juve. It's going to be a difficult one for sure – they are under pressure as well to win this game and it's going to make it an interesting match. It will be an open game. Both sides can win it. Juve are at home and maybe that could be a bit of an advantage, but sometimes playing at home can be a hindrance too. I think we've got to try and create problems for Juve. I've seen lots of their recent games, including the last one against Lazio, when they crushed their opponents in their own half. We have to cause them problems. Yes, we will defend, but not only that.

We owe ourselves a good performance, then anything can happen. We have proved before that when it comes down to it, our players can be counted on. It's important we communicate with each other and that the players express themselves, and I've always encouraged that.

Weekend result
Saturday: West Bromwich Albion FC 2-1 Chelsea (Long 10, Odemwingie 50; Hazard 39)
Čech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, David Luiz, Bertrand; Mikel (Ramires 81), Romeu (Oscar 63); Hazard, Sturridge, Moses; Torres (Mata 63).

• The Londoners have not kept a clean sheet since matchday two, a run of nine games in all competitions.

Team news
John Terry is out for three weeks with strained ligaments in his right knee. Frank Lampard is unavailable with a calf injury but Ashley Cole (hamstring) is available to play in Turin.  

Match fact
• Chelsea have won only once in eight visits to Italy, a 4-0 group-stage success at S.S. Lazio in 2003/04 in which Lampard got the final goal. The other seven games have resulted in four defeats and three draws.

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