Cannavaro: Juve midfield may be key

Fabio Cannavaro says Juventus’ ability in midfield could be the decisive factor at Real Madrid on Wednesday.

“Juve are a very active team, very smart and they work hard tactically,” the 2006 World Cup winner told Marca.

“They have very good players and one of the best midfields in the world with Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.

“The midfield may prove to be key to the game.”

The former centre-back knows the two teams well given that he represented them during his illustrious playing career.

“It is a special game for me, no doubt. Two of the best teams in the world meet and I have played for them both,” he added. “These are two teams that mean a lot to me.

“Who will win? That’s not important, what is important is that they qualify for the next round. The truth is that neither of them have been doing well, they are struggling in this early season.

“From experience, in these games there are no favourites. They are not doing well in their respective Leagues, but the Champions League is different. Anything can happen.”

Juventus lost 4-2 at Fiorentina on Sunday, but Cannavaro thinks Real are struggling after Carlo Ancelotti replaced Jose Mourinho in the summer.

“Madrid have started badly, but the League is not yet lost. They must keep fighting as that is the obligation of the club. We are in October and there is still much ahead.

“I think that they are still getting used to Mourinho’s departure, because he leaves a very strong mark. It has happened at every team he has been at.

“He is a Coach who provokes high tension and that demands a lot. Also, there is still the adaptation of the younger players.

“Ancelotti is looking for something different in their style of play and that takes time. Meanwhile, at Juventus, after two great years, perhaps they lack a bit of hunger.”