The Bianconeri face an intriguing trip to England after being drawn alongside defending champions Chelsea in Group E.
Since Juventus legend Gianluca Vialli assumed the managerial reins at Stamford Bridge in 1998, the Italian connection with the west London outfit has continued to grow, with Claudio Ranieri and Carlo Ancelotti also enjoying spells in the Blues’ dugout inside the new millennium.
Another Italian, Roberto Di Matteo, was handed the job permanently after steering his former playing side to last season’s historic Champions League and FA Cup double.
Tasked with breathing new life into the squad following the departure of Andre Villas Boas, the 42-year-old ex West Brom and MK Dons coach earned praise from both fans and players for his pragmatic managerial approach.
The summer departure of Didier Drogba, who hit the equaliser that forced extra-time in May’s victorious final over Bayern, created a significant void in the side’s attacking department.
But Fernando Torres appears to have relished the extra responsibility bestowed upon his shoulders and forged strong partnerships with new signings Edin Hazard and Marko Marin. Their quick integration - coupled with an already impressive backbone featuring the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry, Peter Cech and Ashley Cole - has seen the Blues win all three of their Premier League games and storm to the top of the table.
The Bianconeri’s last meeting with Chelsea came three-and-a-half years ago, when both sides locked horns in the 2008/09 Champions League quarter-final. Strong performances in both London and Turin were not enough for Juventus, who crashed out 3-2 on aggregate.
Source: Juventus.com
Buy on AliExpress.com