Cambiaso: ‘I haven’t played on an artificial pitch since I was 17’

Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso admits that there is little margin for error when the Bianconeri take on Bodo/Glimt away from home in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and has explained why the conditions make this test even more difficult for the Old Lady. 

Juventus have not won in the Champions League so far this season, picking up draws against Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal and Sporting CP, plus a 1-0 defeat away against Real Madrid in October. They are 26th in the table on three points, which is not enough to qualify for the knock-outs as things stand. 

To make matters worse for Luciano Spalletti and his players, they now have to take on Bodo Glimt in sub-zero temperatures on an artificial pitch. 

“It’s something different, and feels different, but we have to be ready. It will be tough, but we have to be prepared,” Cambiaso told reporters during the pre-match press conferences on Monday night. 

Cambiaso was asked why Juventus made a mistake in their preparations for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with struggling Fiorentina, to which he replied: “I can’t answer you, too many things have changed over the last two years with Allegri, Thiago Motta, Tudor and Spalletti.

“I don’t know how to answer. We’ve already reviewed the Fiorentina game with the coach. Tomorrow will be difficult.” 

Does Cambiaso fear going up against Norwegian sides, given their intensity, the national team’s recent victories over Italy and Bodo’s recent string of victories against Serie A sides? 

“The problem is the climate and the pitch. We have to make up for that in some way. Their national team won both times (against Italy), but we’ll see tomorrow. We have to prepare as best as we can.

“The difference is physical, because it will be -6℃, it affects your breathing, the strength in your legs, we’ll have to change boots. I haven’t played on an artificial pitch since I was 17, and that will be the biggest difference.” 

How do the Juventus squad deal with the pressure of needing to win in Norway on Tuesday night? 

“The coach gave a good team talk before Fiorentina. He spoke about the duty that weighs on us, but the desire that sets us free. We were disappointed in Florence because we put in a sub-par performance.” 

Has Cambiaso spoken to any players from Roma or Lazio, who have also found it tough when they have had to play away against Bodo/Glimt in recent years? 

“I spoke with (Guglielmo) Vicario. He explained the difference in the pitch and the intensity to me. It was a good conversation.

“We’re aware that the margin for error is low. We have to get points tomorrow, it’s an important game.”