It’s a friendly match at the start of a long pre-season, but that will not stop Melbourne Victory players from wanting to put on a show against Juventus at the MCG on Saturday night.
Victory and Juventus will open the 2016 International Champions Cup Australia, and both teams completed their preparations with training runs at AAMI Park on Friday.
“It’s going to be a massive test for us to see how we handle a team of that calibre, but I know we’re going into the game with a mindset that we want to go out there and play our way,” said Victory defender Jason Geria.
“We don’t want to go out there and let them do whatever they want, so the boys’ mindset is the same as it would be in any other match.
“We’re going to go out there and give it to them. Hopefully it’ll be a good game for everyone.”
Victory head coach Kevin Muscat said the whole club is relishing another opportunity to host one of the world’s most successful teams.
“From our perspective, we’ve worked on a few things and had a good look at the way Juventus set up, we want to go out there and have a go,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for us as well – the individuals, the players, us as a club and our nation as well – to show them we can compete at this stage. We’re really looking forward to it.
“I think if our previous games – Melbourne Victory against international club sides – are anything to go by, Saturday night and the following Sunday (against Atletico Madrid) will be some great events.”
Victory and Juventus have played once before, back in 2008, when more than 43,000 fans saw the Bianconeri triumph 4-1 at Docklands.
“(The) match against Melbourne Victory will be very useful for us as far as fitness is concerned,” said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.
“Our other priority of course is to ensure that we don’t pick up any injuries.
“Victory have won three titles, so we will need to approach the game in the correct manner.
“There will be opportunities for a lot of the boys to get some game time, even some of the younger lads.”
Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are taking part in the 2016 International Champions Cup Australia, presented by Audi.
Tickets for Victory’s match against Juventus are available here.
Victory will then face Atletico in a tour match at Geelong’s Simonds Stadium on Sunday, July 31. Tickets are available here.
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