Buffon: Juventus must step up

Gianluigi Buffon has stressed that the time has come for Juventus to prove they have what it takes to shine in the Champions League.

The Serie A champions are seen by many as one of the dark horses to win the competition, and the goalkeeper wants his team to step up to the plate in their first-up Group E clash against Chelsea.

“Last season’s Scudetto win was epic and qualifying for Europe as Italian champions gives us both pride and belief in our ability,” Buffon told reporters at a press conference.

“I believe there are three or four teams that are above us, then there’s a group in which I’d include ourselves.

“It’s now down to us to show we’re competitive at Champions League level.

“Our style of play is suited to European football,” Buffon added.

“Chelsea’s players may have more appearances in the Champions League than ours, but we’re an emerging side.”