Juventus not Champions League favorites, says club boss Max Allegri

What's the story?

Despite having had their best start to a season yet, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has played down his side's chances at the Champions League title this season.

In case you didn't know...

Since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, Juventus have enjoyed a significant boost: they remain unbeaten in the Serie A and the player reinforcements mean they also stand as favourites for the European title this season, a feat that is likely to be the top priority for the Old Lady.

Allegri had led the Bianconeri outfit to the Champions League finals on two occasions, but they were beaten both times by Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

This season, Juventus made it through to the Round of 16 stage of Europe's top competition, and await a clash with La Liga giants Athletico Madrid.

The heart of the matter

With clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City also in the race for the Champions League, Allegri refuses to consider Juventus the ultimate favourites owing to the fact that football itself is very unpredictable.

According to Football Italia, the manager said, "Football is unpredictable, as was the case in Rome. We played badly at the start but scored when we were at our best."

"Away from home? We'll play where we're told to play. We're playing lots of games and tomorrow we have another away game: it's practice for the Champions League too."

"It's not written anywhere that we're super-favorites for the Champions League. That would be madness."

"By doing that, you don't experience the competition as it should be experienced, that is as an objective to bring home, if we play well and are lucky."

What's next?

Juventus remain at the top of the Serie A table and will next face Atalanta in the Coppa Italia later tonight.