Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund: Who Has The Edge?
Manager
Jurgen Klopp has taken Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League Final only two years ago where they lost to Bundesliga rival, Bayern Munich. Allegri has never made it beyond the Final 16 of Champions League whereas his adversary has fallen just short from a miraculous triumph, but there is a major difference this time around. Klopp has more domestic troubles this season than he did two years ago. It will be very fascinating to monitor the Dortmund game versus Stuttgart on Friday. Allegri has a little bit of breathing room should Juventus fail to win Friday and so it is safe to say he will be fielding a more conservative Juventus side. Tactically these are two great managers, but on the “What have you done for me lately?” philosophy it’s pretty clear.
Advantage: Jurgen Klopp and Borussia Dortmund. Klopp will likely be gone from Dortmund should they be relegated and fall out of Champions League. The scariest things for Juventus is that Dortmund are going to be forced to play like pitbulls being cornered. Are Juventus more than capable of standing their own ground and pouncing on a cornered dog? Sure, but it will be no easy task and Klopp will have his beasts ready to play in Torino. Allegri knows the value of keeping Dortmund off the scoreboard and needs to attack, but we have seen how susceptible Juventus have been to counter-attacks all season. Just ask Cesena. No, but seriously ask Mimmo Di Carlo and Cesena because I am certain Klopp will be studying that tape attentively. Ironically, Cesena and Dortmund are in the same trouble.
Next: Defense