Ranieri wants Juventus fans to intimidate Chelsea
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri called on fans to create an intimidating atmosphere against Chelsea on Tuesday to help his side overhaul a 1-0 deficit in their Champions League last-16 clash.
The Serie A side need a boost for the second leg in Turin after losing in-form midfielder Mohamed Sissoko to a broken foot in Saturday's 1-0 derby win over Torino.
"Now we can think of Chelsea. It will be difficult, we will need to be at our best and have the support of the crowd," former Chelsea coach Ranieri told reporters.
"Against English sides, the help and support of the crowd can count."
Juve's 30,000 seater Stadio Olimpico may be a far cry from their former 60,000-capacity Stadio delle Alpi, but the atmosphere can still be electric as Real Madrid found when they lost 2-1 there in the group stage.
Winger Marco Marchionni is doubtful but defenders Nicola Legrottaglie and Zdenek Grygera have shaken off knocks and should be fit to play.
Ranieri left Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet on the bench against Torino, suggesting the striking pair will start against last season's runners-up.
Chelsea have been rejuvenated since Guus Hiddink took over from Luiz Felipe Scolari as temporary manager until the end of the season, winning all five matches under the Dutchman.
Even the diversion of Ashley Cole's arrest for being drunk and disorderly in the early hours of Thursday and the firm team meeting Hiddink held afterwards did not deter them from their quest for honours on Saturday.
Chelsea scored a routine 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win at Championship side Coventry City to move into the semi-finals for the third time in four seasons.
The prize they really covet, however, is the Champions League, especially as they have played one more game than Manchester United and trail them by seven points in the Premier League title race.
Didier Drogba, who scored the only goal against Juve in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, netted his third in four matches at Coventry - compared to three in total this season before Hiddink's arrival.
With Michael Essien back as a substitute for the first time in seven months following a knee injury and Ricardo Carvalho also returning on Saturday, Chelsea have a more familiar feel.
However, Nicolas Anelka may miss the match because of a toe injury and Paulo Ferreira is out for the rest of the season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments