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Roy Hodgson: Playing Juventus will be like a final for Fulham
Cottagers chief prepares for Italy return...
6 Mar 2010 12:58:00
By Chris Myson & Salvatore Landolina
Roy Hodgson is preparing to lead Fulham to new heights in the Europa League, and while he is well aware that facing Juventus is anything but easy, he cannot wait for the prospect.
The Cottagers progressed in the competition after defeating holders Shakhtar Donetsk on aggregate in the last round, while Italian giants Juve got the better of Dutch side Ajax.
"Playing against the Bianconeri is like a final for us, there aren't many teams left in the competition who can match the pedigree of Juventus," Fulham boss Hodgson told Tuttosport.
The Premier League side travel to Turin on Thursday for the first leg last-16 clash, and for Hodgson playing away from home first is always a big advantage.
"It certainly isn't a disadvantage to play away first. It's always better for us to play the decisive [second leg] match at Craven Cottage," he added.
"The stadium will be sold out and, although we have played little in Europe, we have a 14-game unbeaten run at home, and we are proud of this."
Fulham currently sit ninth in the Premier League, and with a solid league finish seemingly secured, they can now fully commit themselves to their European endeavours.
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The Cottagers progressed in the competition after defeating holders Shakhtar Donetsk on aggregate in the last round, while Italian giants Juve got the better of Dutch side Ajax.
"Playing against the Bianconeri is like a final for us, there aren't many teams left in the competition who can match the pedigree of Juventus," Fulham boss Hodgson told Tuttosport.
The Premier League side travel to Turin on Thursday for the first leg last-16 clash, and for Hodgson playing away from home first is always a big advantage.
"It certainly isn't a disadvantage to play away first. It's always better for us to play the decisive [second leg] match at Craven Cottage," he added.
"The stadium will be sold out and, although we have played little in Europe, we have a 14-game unbeaten run at home, and we are proud of this."
Fulham currently sit ninth in the Premier League, and with a solid league finish seemingly secured, they can now fully commit themselves to their European endeavours.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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