Juventus vs Bayern Munich preview - Vucinic ready for war

Posted Wednesday, April 10, 2013 by PA

Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic has compared Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against newly-crowned German champions Bayern Munich as a "war" which is still to be decided.

Bayern, who wrapped up their 23rd Bundesliga title with six games to go at the weekend, take a 2-0 advantage into the clash in Turin as they bid to make their second successive semi-final and a third in four seasons.

However, Juve, who maintained their grip at the top of Serie A with a 2-1 win over struggling Pescara on Saturday, have history on their side as they have won all five European quarter-finals they have played against German opponents.

Vucinic scored two goals in as many minutes against Pescara and is confident the Bianconeri can overturn the two-goal deficit.

"Our fans believe in us players, we have to believe in ourselves," Vucinic told the club's official website.

"Everyone needs to give more than 100 per cent.

"Congratulations (to Bayern) on the championship, but on Wednesday, Bayern will experience an uncomfortable atmosphere.

"Our fans know how to heat up the atmosphere, which is a war - nothing is decided yet."

Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer insists there will be no loss of focus following the league success.

"We can postpone our party, but we can't postpone Juventus," Sammer told Bayern's official website.

"The game will require all our energy and power. The players should ask themselves a question: 'Do we want more or do we not? Do we want the lot or only a little bit?'

"That's the difference between good and great."

Juventus could make up to seven changes for the clash after they rested a host of players against Pescara.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon looks set to return, while defenders Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are available after domestic suspensions.

Midfielder Arturo Vidal is suspended and Paul Pogba could be promoted from the bench in his place, while Juve manager Antonio Conte could give Kwadwo Asamoah the nod ahead of Federico Peluso on the left wing.

Bayern will have midfielder Javi Martinez available following his suspension for the first leg, but Toni Kroos looks set to miss out after picking up a groin injury.

Striker Mario Mandzukic is likely to start for the German champions after he was rested against Frankfurt at the weekend.