Di Matteo vows to attack against Juventus, but remains coy on Chelsea team selection

Di Matteo vows Chelsea will attack against Juventus

Nov 19, 2012 8:50:00 PM

The Stamford Bridge manager says his side will take the game to the Italian champions in Turin, but insists he will only decide on who will play in Chelsea's crunch match tomorrow

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has vowed that his side will attack Juventus when the two sides meet in the Champions League, but has remained silent on his team selection.

The Blues have been praised for their dogged defensive displays in Europe, a feat which saw them overcome Barcelona and Bayern Munich on the way to winning the trophy earlier in 2012.

However, the Stamford Bridge side have been in poor form domestically, taking just two points from a possible 12, but the Italian manager has insisted his side will take the game to their Turin hosts.

"It will be a difficult game, but Juventus are under pressure as well," Di Matteo told reporters on Monday.

"Our intention is to cause Juventus problems, so certainly we will attack as well as defend.

"There was frustration on Saturday [in their defeat at West Brom] and we owe ourselves a good performance. In the past the players showed they can be counted on."

The former Chelsea player revealed Ashley Cole will be available after recovering from a hamstring injury, but refused to reveal any further information on his starting XI.

"Ashley Cole is available to play," he added. "The defensive focus of the team will be very important tomorrow.

"I feel confident. I have a good team and we know we have to play a big game tomorrow. I will see how the players are in training and then I will make my final selection decisions."

The Blues currently sit second in Group E, level on points with Shakhtar Donetsk and one point ahead of the Bianconeri.