Juve eye winning mentality

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by PA

Juventus have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Champions League but they will be looking to turn draws into three points when they meet Maccabi Haifa in Group A on Wednesday.

Ciro Ferrara's side have picked up a point in each of their opening two group games, a 1-1 draw with Bordeaux before a 0-0 result two weeks ago at Bayern Munich.

Juve, experienced campaigners in Europe, are two points behind group leaders Bayern and Bordeaux heading into matchday three.

Ferrara has stressed the importance of taking a victory against group underdogs Maccabi.

"All is to play for in our group," he said. "We have to take advantage of our game against Maccabi to get back on track."

Juve go into their midweek clash on the back of a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina.

Saturday's result left the Bianconeri third in the Serie A standings, four points behind leaders Inter Milan.

Juve have failed to win since beating Livorno 2-0 on September 19.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini knows his team faced a similar situation last season and believes they can turn things around starting tomorrow.

"Last season we also faced a difficult time," he said. "Things were not looking good in the league as we had lost two games and we had gone to Real Madrid having to do without many players injured.

"Despite all this, we won 2-0 at the Bernabeu in the Champions League and that victory marked a turning point in our campaign.

"We have to win to get our campaign back on track."

Ferrara will be without injured Tiago, Alessandro Del Piero, Hasan Salihamidzic and Claudio Marchisio.

Amauri is set to partner Vincenzo Iaquinta in Juve's attacking line with Diego in support.

The encounter in Turin is a make-or-break tie for Maccabi Haifa.

The Israeli side have lost their first two games in the competition and another defeat would complicate their hopes of progressing to the next round.

Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Boccoli, who is set to replace suspended playmaker Biram Kayal on Wednesday, believes his team can kick-start their European season against Juve.

"We are on the right path to clinch our first points in the Champions League," he said. "We have learned a lot from our two defeats against Bayern Munich and Bordeaux."

Maccabi won 3-1 at Hapoel Beer-Sheva at the weekend to extend their unbeaten run in the Ligat Ha'Al to 18 matches.

The visitors will be hoping to recover striker Yaniv Katan, who is doubtful with the flu.

Should Katan fail to recover, Mohammad Ghadir is expected to partner Vladmiri Dvalishvili in attack.

Maccabi coach Elisha Levi knows his team face a huge challenge but believes his side having nothing to lose.

"Juventus have a team of stars," he said. "In theory we shouldn't even enter the pitch but fortunately in football, predictions not always take place.

"Hence, we will play our game, respecting our rivals but showing no fear."