Ahead Of The Match Against Malmo, Allegri Hopes That The Goddess of Fortune Will Side With Juventus In The Last 16 Draw

JAKARTA - Several Juventus players are ready to be played as starters in the last match of the Champions League group stage against Malmo FF. Coach Massimiliano Allegri also hopes that luck will continue to favor his team in the round of 16.

Citing Antara, Juve has already confirmed their ticket to the next round and is in second place in Group H with the same number of points as Chelsea, who is in first place with 12 points.

They still feel the need to improve on this result as the Premier League club takes on Zenit St Petersburg to finish top of the group.

However, given the increasingly tight and fast schedule of matches, Allegri revealed that goalkeeper Mattia Perin, defenders Daniele Rugani and Alex Sandro, and midfielder Adrien Rabiot will start in Wednesday's match local time.

"Some players will be rested, others will play. But we have to win and finish the group in the best way possible," Allegri told a news conference.

Juventus lost 4-0 to Chelsea in their last Champions League game two weeks ago, but won the other four, including a 3-0 win over Malmo in Sweden in September.

The draw for the last 16 will take place December 13, while the two-legged last-16 tie is scheduled for February and March 2022.

"We have to create conditions for better results. This March is a completely different season. We need players in good shape and ready," said Allegri.

"Now we finish the group stage, then we will focus on the league and in March we will think about the Champions League."

"We don't know the final position yet. You expect a bit of luck when they draw. You can finish first (in the group) and face Paris St Germain. The important thing is to qualify, then we'll see who we face in the last 16."

Allegri said Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and PSG were the favorites to win the Champions League.

"They are on a different level than the others," he added.