Juventus could be serious Champions League contenders this season, says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Tottenham tactician Andre Villas-Boas.

“Juventus should not be considered a surprise,” Wenger told Tuttosport. “They are a team of rank, they are already well established in terms of performances, squad, club organisation and staff.

“We are talking about a really solid team who are amongst the group of favourites,” added the Frenchman.

“I don’t agree with those who claim that Italian clubs are behind the rest in Europe. There is no gap – Milan and Napoli should also not be taken lightly.”

Juventus, who reached the last eight in 2012-13, have been grouped with Real Madrid, Galatasaray and Copenhagen.

“Juve have the cards at their disposal to emulate what Chelsea did in 2012,” noted Villas-Boas to the same newspaper.

“The Italian champions are a solid, tough and compact side. And with Carlos Tevez they have the icing on the cake.

“Perhaps Tevez could become what Didier Drogba was at Chelsea – and he has what is needed to do that.”