Lippi: Why Juve Can Win Champions League

Speaking to Radio Anch’io Sport ahead of Juve’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Ajax, Lippi explained why the Old Lady had what it took to lift the trophy for the first time since 1996.

“Juve have every chance of winning the Champions League, they have been among the three or four teams capable of lifting the cup for a few years now,” he noted.

“This year it’s even more so. They now have an extra gear with the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Ajax knocked out holders Real Madrid in the last round, overturning a 2-1 defeat in Netherlands by beating Los Blancos 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, history has it that the Turin giants are travelling to Netherlands on the back of another victory over Milan.

“There’s the risk of someone thinking getting Ajax in the draw was fortunate, but instead I believe that they are a very difficult opponent,” added the 70-year-old.

“They play a style of football that can put any team in trouble. Before we played in Amsterdam in 1997, we beat Milan 6-1 and then went there and won 2-1.

“It’s a good omen; in those days we won the Scudetto on the last day of the season or at least the second from last.”

Finally, Lippi was asked about Moise Kean, who has scored five times in his last five matches for club and country, and Max Allegri.

“Juve have managed Kean perfectly. He deserves to play if Allegri deems him ready,” he assured.

“I don’t know if he will play on Tuesday if Ronaldo is fit, but the Coach knows he has a young player who can make an impact from the bench for the last 20 minutes.

“I don’t think Max will leave in the summer. He is doing a great job and knows that finding another Juve isn’t easy.

“His relationship with the players and the club is fantastic and he will leave when he thinks he has come to the end of his tenure.”