Juventus vs Malmo preview - Vital to make solid start - Evra

Posted Monday, September 15, 2014 by PA

Juventus are desperate to avoid a repeat of last season's slow start to the Champions League when they embark on their latest European campaign on Tuesday, according to defender Patrice Evra.

The Turin giants, who kick off their Group A fixtures against Swedish side Malmo at the Juventus Stadium, failed to win any of their opening four games last year and, with just one triumph in six matches, failed to progress to the knockout phase.

Juve have an equally tough group this term, with Tuesday's rivals joining them in a pool that also includes 2014 runners-up Atletico Madrid and Greek giants Olympiacos.

Evra, who joined the Serie A champions in July after eight and a half years at Manchester United, believes a strong start to the group stage is vital.

"Our aim is to do much better than last season," the French left-back said to www.juventus.it. "We have great players in the team and we want to have a starring role.

"It is important to get off to a good start."

Juve, who are looking to win their fourth straight Scudetto and a first under new coach Massimiliano Allegri, have started the new season with two wins from two league games.

And Allegri, who replaced Antonio Conte at the helm over the summer, has also set his sights on a European adventure.

"We want a competitive team that can do well at home and abroad," he said. "We want to go as far as possible in the Champions League."

The hosts will be bolstered by the return of defender Giorgio Chiellini, who missed Saturday's 2-0 triumph against Udinese through suspension.

However, midfield pair Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal are sidelined through injury.

Kwadwo Asamoah will replace Robeto Pereyra in midfield, with the Argentinian player serving a one-match ban, while Fernando Llorente will partner Carlos Tevez in attack.

Malmo, meanwhile, will be playing in the Champions League group stage for the first time.

The Swedish champions, coached by Age Hareide, have targeted a third-place finish in the pool - a position that would guarantee them a spot in the Europa League knockout phase.

Despite their lack of experience, Hareide, whose side won three qualifying games to reach this stage, is unwilling to rule out his team's chances.

"The important thing now is to not settle for just taking part," he said. "We want to compete and do the best we can."

The visitors will be without defender Ricardinho and midfielder Simon Thern through injury.

Hareide's side will be looking to raise their game from recent league showings, having been held to a 3-3 draw at Hacken at the weekend after previously losing 2-0 at Djurgarden. They still lead the Swedish Allsvenska by five points, however.