Italian official highlights significance of Juventus-Benfica Europa match

Italian Football Association (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete highlighted the "significance" of Juventus' Europa League semi-final against Benfica.

The Serie A leaders will Thursday night face the Portuguese side in the first leg of their encounter and Abete Wednesday said that Juventus will carry the weight of entire Italian football on their shoulders, reports Xinhua.

"It is everyone's hope that Juve could beat Benfica to reach the final in Turin," he said.

"So Thursday's game does have a double significance, not only for Juventus but for the whole of Italian football," he said.

"Problems with competitiveness? That may be evident in the Champions League, but overall, our teams have done well in 2013-14."

 

The final of the Europa League, the continent's second biggest club tournament after the Champions League, will take place in Juventus's home stadium May 14.