Former Juventus star Vladimir Jugovic has warned his old club to brace for a formidable challenge when they face Lille in the Champions League midweek, Soccernet.football reports.
With two wins and one loss in the group stage, Juventus have made a solid start, though a recent defeat to Stuttgart has highlighted the competition’s intensity.
Lille, meanwhile, have emerged as a serious threat, toppling elite teams with victories over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the group stage, following their strong performance against Fenerbahce in the qualifiers.
Under manager Thiago Motta, Juventus have shown impressive form, suffering just one competitive loss so far this season.
However, Jugovic believes the encounter with Lille may be their toughest European test yet.
Known for their high-tempo and physical play, Les Dogues have demonstrated a knack for defeating Europe’s big names, and Juventus will need to be vigilant to avoid becoming their next victim.
Jugovic, who was a key part of Juventus’s Champions League-winning team in 1996, issued a word of caution to his former club.
Drawing on his own experience, he likened the upcoming Lille clash to a memorable 1996 encounter against Nantes.
“See out for Lille,” Jugovic said as per Tuttojuve. “Juventus in the Champions League against a French team reminds me of my goal against Nantes. Lille beat Real Madrid and Atletico – Juve have been warned. But if you win these games, especially away from home, you come out of it more aware and stronger.”
With Lille’s reputation for unsettling high-profile opponents, Juventus will need to adopt a balanced approach, staying disciplined in defence while exploiting any weaknesses Lille may reveal.
A win could significantly boost Juventus’s European campaign, reinforcing their confidence as they advance through the group stage.