Juve trying to keep focussed on Borisov before Milan

Juventus go into Wednesday’s final Champions League group match against Belarus minnows BATE Borisov with a large distraction hanging over them.

The Italian giants have already qualified for the knock-out stages and only need a draw at Turin’s Stadio Olimpico to ensure they top Group H and secure the perceived advantage of playing a second place finisher in the next round with the return leg at home.

But of far greater importance to Juve is their weekend clash against AC Milan, also at home, a game they must win or risk dropping out of the Serie A title race.

Both Juve and Milan sit six points behind leaders Inter Milan, who host rock bottom Chievo at the weekend, and a failure to win would see either side almost certainly fall eight or nine points behind the champions.

Juve’s players already have their eyes on the weekend encounter and are struggling to focus on the immediate task at hand.

“Right now every match is difficult and we can’t afford to slip up,” said Sebastian Giovinco.

“Against Milan it will be a direct battle (between title rivals) but the match against BATE is also important.

“It’s a tricky time for us but we’ll get through it.”

Giovinco made a rare start on Sunday as Alessandro Del Piero was injured but the young Italian forward scored a stunning free-kick, much in the mould of Del Piero himself.

Even so, he accepts that he will have to bide his time before holding down a regular first team place, particularly as both Del Piero and Mauro Camoranesi are likely to be fit again on Wednesday.

“There are some great players ahead of me and I just have to wait for my turn. It’s normal for a young player to play less than the others,” said Giovinco.

“I’m fine with that and just trying to work as hard as I can.”

Even if Juve don’t get a point they can still win the group if Real Madrid fail to beat Zenit St Petersburg at home.

BATE have only pride to play for as they are guaranteed to finish bottom of the pile.