Chiellini: ‘Not always a pleasure to meet Mourinho, Juventus want a striker’

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini jokes it is a pleasure to meet Benfica coach Jose Mourinho other than ‘during matches’ and confirms pursuit of a new striker in January.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta-Athletic Club on the Liveblog.

The Bianconeri saw their Serie A progress hit an unexpected bump over the weekend when they lost 1-0 to Cagliari despite an historic amount of possession.

“We were a bit unlucky in Cagliari, but before the game I had said it was a trap, and that was a message to see where we were after many good performances,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“I do think the team played well and the biggest issue was that we weren’t effective enough in front of goal with our chances. We needed to be more determined to get the result at all costs.”

Benfica had lost the first four Champions League fixtures before beating Ajax and Napoli by 2-0 results to give themselves hope.

Juve also had a rough start, picking up only three draws from the first four rounds, until victories over Bodo/Glimt and Pafos.

“This will be a very different kind of game, against a much stronger opponent, where we need balance and being wary of their qualities, especially as they are missing so many defensive midfielders that their team is top-heavy on the attacking side,” continued Chiellini.

“After a difficult start, we got the victory away to Bodo/Glimt and have only now realised how difficult that was. Now we have the opportunity to get a result here so when we go to Monaco for the final game, it’s not life or death.”

Former Inter and Roma coach Mourinho said he would take the Juventus job in future if Luciano Spalletti were to leave.

“Jose was a great opponent and a great coach all over Europe, so it’s always a pleasure to meet him before and after matches, not so much during!”

Juventus are reported to be seeking a new striker, so they have approached Crystal Palace for Jean-Philippe Mateta and Fenerbahce for Youssef En-Nesyri. Are there any updates from the club on those negotiations?

“It’s difficult to improve a squad like this in January, we are evaluating options in an area where Dusan unfortunately had a serious injury. There is nothing on the verge of coming in, but there are two weeks to go, and if there is something to help the coach improve this squad, we won’t hold back.”