Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 9y

Massimiliano Allegri urges Juventus to win Champions League group

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri wants his side to finish on top their Champions League group by securing a commanding victory over Atletico Madrid in their final game.

Allegri's side, who won 2-0 at Malmo on Wednesday, face Atletico at Juventus Stadium on Dec. 9.

They know a point will ensure that they qualify, and that they will top the group if they beat their opponents by two goals or more.

And speaking at his postmatch news conference, Allegri made it clear that he would not be playing for a draw, saying: "We're going to need a great game against Atletico -- let's not forget they very nearly won the final last year.

"We want to win and, if possible, do so by two goals to finish top of the group. Qualifying for the last 16 is what matters -- but finishing top is even more important."

The Champions League seeding system not only means that all group winners play a side that finishes second, it also gives them the second of the two legs in the round of 16 at home.

If Juventus finish second, they could find themselves facing Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Chelsea.

But Allegri backed his players to shine whatever the opposition, adding: "In Italy, we're often saying that we don't have any quality players, but [Claudio] Marchisio is a world class midfielder.

"He's physically and technically strong and he knows how to read the game well, helping [Andrea] Pirlo a great deal.

"And then there's [Paul] Pogba, who is young still but is going to learn as he gets older."

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