Juventus director Beppe Marotta is confident their form will grow in the second half of the season and discussed the Paulo Dybala comparisons with Leo Messi.

It kicks off in Turin at 19.45 GMT, follow the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atletico Madrid-Roma on the LIVEBLOG.

Surprisingly, Blaugrana hero Messi is left on the bench to begin with at the Allianz Juventus Stadium.

Juventus director Beppe Marotta is confident their form will grow in the second half of the season and discussed the Paulo Dybala comparisons with Leo Messi.

It kicks off in Turin at 19.45 GMT, follow the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atletico Madrid-Roma on the LIVEBLOG.

Surprisingly, Blaugrana hero Messi is left on the bench to begin with at the Allianz Juventus Stadium.

“Barcelona consider Messi an extra bonus, but they have a very strong squad apart from him. That doesn’t mean Juventus won’t be up to the task and fight back with our own strengths,” the director general told Mediaset Premium.

“I’m sure people will try to make comparisons between Dybala and Messi anyway. They are two players who have similarities. Messi is a champion, whereas Dybala is very young and has room for improvement, so we will wait for his development.”

The Bianconeri lost 3-2 at Sampdoria in Serie A on Sunday, leaving them four points adrift of leaders Napoli.

“I don’t think there is a problem that cannot be resolved. Every season we had these dips in form and concentration in November and December, so I consider it physiological.

“Massimiliano Allegri’s training schedule is aimed towards the epilogue, which is important both for Serie A and the Champions League. I said we weren’t at 100 per cent and I continue to maintain that.

“It’s probable that we subconsciously have players who consider the Champions League more important, but we must impose a winning mentality in Serie A too. We got proof of how important that is on Sunday at Marassi.

“We cannot consider one competition more important than another.” 

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