Juventus” data-scaytid=”1″>Ex-Juventus President Giampiero Boniperti urged the team to follow his example of doing The Double in 1977.
Ex-Juventus President Giampiero Boniperti urged the team to follow his example of doing The Double in 1977.
That season the Bianconeri won both the Scudetto and UEFA Cup, while Antonio Conte’s men are still in the running for the title and Europa League.
“These are tense days where you feel forced to win and drag out all the temperament within the players,” Boniperti told Tuttosport.
“Of course, Conte and Juventus are accustomed to this situation. One of the toughest for us was in 1976-77, when we won two trophies in the space of a few days.”
The first leg of the Final was 1-0 to Juve, who triumphed on away goals despite a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on May 18.
“We travelled to Bilbao and fought on the field in front of incredibly passionate fans. I left at the end of the first half, as I couldn’t resist being in that inferno. I took a taxi with a Juve security officer to a bar, but they weren’t showing the game on television.
“Fiat flew the players back in a private plane. We had won the UEFA Cup, but had to concentrate straight away on Serie A, as four days later we’d gamble with the Scudetto at Marassi.
“I asked for a private plane because I wanted the players to be free of stress. It went well in the end, as we beat Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”31″>Sampdoria 2-0 and won the title.”
Juventus face Sassuolo” data-scaytid=”33″>Sassuolo on Monday, Benfica in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday and can then potentially clinch the Scudetto next weekend at home to Atalanta” data-scaytid=”57″>Atalanta.
“I am optimistic, because we’re in a good position, even if it’s tough to win at all costs,” continued Boniperti.
“These are tense days and it is important to experience them with the right concentration and calm.
“What advice would I give to Conte? I’d never dare to offer advice! Besides, Antonio experienced this as a player, so he knows perfectly well what the dynamics are.
“Conte has great players at his disposal and they seem to hold up well under pressure. At this moment they just need to stay united and give it their all.”