“Surprised by a Giuntoli transfer. Juve, sometimes I wake up all sweaty”

Michele Padovano, who won the Champions League with the Bianconeri in 1996, is banking on Vlahovic: "He should be served better and not with his back to the goal. He is strong, you will see that he will prove it"

Michele Padovano good morning. Are you ready for your debut as a Sky commentator in the Champions League with your Juve for the match against PSV? How did the collaboration come about?

«One day, in Rome, it was the Coppa Italia Juventus-Atalanta final, I met the director Federico Ferri. He told me that he would like to propose a collaboration as a commentator and then study a documentary together to make about my story. I replied that it was very interesting, also for the quality and professionalism of the work group: now I will play it in the best way possible trying to do what I had in Juve. Give my best every time the coach asked me to enter the field».

After the double 3-0 in Como and Verona, the double 0-0 with Roma and Empoli in which the team created fewer goal opportunities. What is happening to Motta's Juve? Is it a warning bell?

«I wouldn't say so because I like the serenity with which Motta faces the games won and also the others. He sees the team training well and we need to give them some time. The positive aspect is that we haven't conceded any goals, which is not a negligible factor. Of course, more is expected from important players like Douglas Luiz, Koopmeiners and Yildiz. It will be a very indicative test against PSV, a team that plays very offensively, with a 4-3-3 and wingers with inverted feet who aim towards the goal. They attack with at least 4-5 players. It's nice that they're coming after two draws in a row so that they can redeem themselves immediately". Let's

go back for a moment to the match played at the Castellani. What didn't convince you about the Bianconeri's performance?

"The maneuver was too slow and when they increase the intensity, Douglas and Koop will certainly make the difference".

What I hope for Juve

Motta's starting idea for the game in theory includes 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1. Regardless of the modules, which eleven would you field against PSV?"I won't go into the merits because I don't see the players every day, I don't know their form. Given the changes he made, radical ones, in Empoli, during the match, I think Motta is waiting for the best players to be in optimal physical condition."And we arrive at the heart of the Champions League. What changes in these matches from an emotional as well as technical point of view?"Of course, the music already makes you understand that it's another world. I hope that Juve will resume an interrupted conversation and do it in the best way, not only by participating but by doing it at their best, winning as many matches as possible, at least finishing in the top eight." What doyou know about the Dutch who, as reigning champions, lead their championship with 5 wins out of 5: 20 goals scored and just 3 conceded?"They press very high, Juve will have to avoid this pressing, maintaining possession of the ball and trying to insert the midfielders who have quality. Woe betide if Thiago's team loses the ball in their own half because the Dutch have quality."

Why you should focus on Vlahovic

This new formula of the Champions League rewards victory and whoever scores the most goals even more. Will the attitude of the teams change in these matches?«Yes, right from the start you will see teams dedicated to attack. In the end with 10-12 points you can advance to the next round».

Let's come to Vlahovic, Juventus' blessing and curse. What do you really think of him: what room for improvement does he have and will he be able to explode? In Motta's place, what would you say to him?«I like him a lot and I think he has a lot of room for improvement. But be careful, he must be put in a position to play. In Empoli he only had one goal opportunity to play, a beautiful one thanks to Nico, so he must have two or three per game. At that point I am sure he will score at least one goal. And then he is physically strong, mentally, he gives his all for the team, he transmits a great energy to his teammates also in terms of his willingness to sacrifice. However, he must be put in a position to look at the goal and not have his back to the goal. Maybe he would also need a few more crosses»

Yildiz on the left wing convinces you or better behind the striker?«No, I think it's the right role and I also expect him to make the difference, now the time has come to show that he is really strong».

How do you remember his debut in the Champions League?«A marvel, in Dortmund: 1-0 for them after 40 seconds. But we were a very tough team that wasn't afraid of anything and in fact we went all the way to lift the Champions League against Ajax, it was 1996. I immediately scored the goal to make it 1-1 and then we won 3-1, in reality I also scored a brace with a perfectly regular goal that was unfairly disallowed».

"Sometimes I wake up all sweaty..."

And how many times has that last Cup won made you relive the night. Did you think about it when you were unjustly held in prison for an affair that contains the true evil of Italian justice, namely the times?"Those memories are wonderful. I don't deny that even now sometimes I wake up all sweaty and think I'm still a footballer. Not only that night but I was lucky enough to experience many games to remember".

Juventus signed an important transfer from a quantitative and qualitative point of view. Would it have been better to also find a deputy Vlahovic given Milik's physical condition?"I was surprised by the sale of Kean, he could have been perfect as deputy Vlahovic. I don't know what Giuntoli's thoughts were but if they decided that way there must be a reason".

Motta does original things: from players moved to the middle of the field, to the massive alternation that effectively cancels out the starters, the promotion of Gatti captain, the trip to Empoli with a flight departure that same morning. What do you think of him?"I really like him, even if he knows he's in a construction site right now. So it's normal to choose who's in better shape now and not field the one with the best-known name. He's not afraid to field a 20-year-old player and that's wonderful. I can't wait to applaud Juve as they get back to being Juve."