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Messi warns Barca of Tevez threat in Champions League final
By Alec Fenn
May 28, 2015 22:35:46
The 27-year-old singled out his international team-mate for praise as he prepares to face him in next weekend's European showdown
Lionel Messi has warned his Barcelona team-mates that Juventus pose a very serious threat in the Champions League final, particularly with Carlos Tevez in their ranks.
The two sides will meet in Berlin on June 6 with Juve on the brink of their first-ever treble having completed the double in Italy.
Meanwhile Barca can take another step towards repeating their 2009 heroics if they defeat Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey on Saturday.
The Catalans are favourites going into the game but Messi says he and his team-mates can't afford to be complacent, while singling out Argentina team-mate Tevez as their key man.
"We will face a very tough opponent," he told Sport Premium. "Juventus are physically strong and have great players like Tevez.
"It's a final and anything can happen, but we are preparing for the game as we would normally do."
Should Barcelona win the trophy, it will be the fourth time 27-year-old Messi has lifted the Champions League.
He is already in pole position to claim his fifth Ballon d'Or - having been pipped to the Fifa award for the past two years by Cristiano Ronaldo - due to his stellar performances since the halfway point of 2014-15.
Allegri: Heysel a black page in world sport and the history of Juventus
By Mark Doyle
May 29, 2015 14:39:26
The Bianconeri boss, his staff and entire squad will attend a memorial service on Friday to commemorate the deaths of 39 people in Brussels 30 years ago
Massimiiliano Allegri has described the Heysel Stadium disaster as "a black page in world sport and the history of Juventus".
Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, which saw 39 people die after Liverpool fans charged a wall during violent clashes before the 1985 European Cup final, the Bianconeri boss voiced his support for a growing campaign among the Italian club's followers for greater recognition of what happened on that fateful evening and widespread acknowledgement of the continued suffering of the victims' families.
“What happened 30 years ago, on that tragic night, was a black page in world sport and the history of Juventus," Allegri told reporters at a press conference on Friday afternoon.
"Today we commemorate the victims and our hearts go out to their relatives."
Allegri, his backroom team and entire squad will attend a memorial service in Turin's Gran Madre de Dio church on Friday evening before departing for Verona for their final Serie A game of the season.
The 47-year-old coach is expected to rest players for the meeting with Andrea Mandorlini's men at the Marcantonio Bentegodi but revealed that he will start Carlos Tevez.
Juve face Barcelona in the Champions League final on June 6, with both sides bidding to complete a treble, but Allegri is willing to allow his star striker to play, given the Argentina international currently sits one goal behind Verona striker Luca Toni in the battle for this season's Capocannoniere.
“It will be an important game for us as it’s our final test before the Champions League final," the Juve boss added.
"We need to focus exclusively on Verona in order to round off our season on the best possible note.
“I still haven’t fully decided on my starting line-up but Tevez will play.
"He wasn’t involved last Saturday and will have the opportunity to draw level with and overtake Toni in the Serie A top scorers' list.
"Both would be deserved winners for their achievements this season.”
We've got all the key details ahead of the biggest game in European club football next weekend
Barcelona and Juventus will battle it out in the Champions League final in Berlin on June 6, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45 CET.
The game will take place at the iconic Olympiastadion and will see nearly 75,000 supporters cram into the venue to see who will be crowned the best team in Europe.
Real Madrid won the trophy last season but the Bianconeri overcame the Spanish club in the semi-finals, while Barca saw off Bayern Munich to seal their place in the showpiece.
Taking charge of the game will be Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir. The 38-year-old has officiated 70 Uefa matches, including four Champions League and three Europa League games this season.
He will be assisted by fellow Turks Bahattin Duran and Tarik Ongun, while the fourth official will be Jonas Eriksson from Sweden. Two additional assistant referees have also been appointed in Turkish pair Huseyin Gocek and Baris Simsek.
A famous treble is on the cards for Juventus if they can defeat Barcelona and their coach believes victory would be a remarkable feat
Massimiliano Allegri says attempting to man-mark Lionel Messi is "impossible" as his side prepare for the Champions League final against Barcelona.
Juve are one match away from completing a famous treble having already secured the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles this term.
Barca are also on the cusp of their first treble since 2009 after a 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend saw them add Copa del Rey success to their Liga triumph.
Superstar Messi once more grabbed the headlines with a double at Camp Nou, including a sublime first goal in the 57th minute.
Yet Allegri believes it would be a huge mistake for Juve to focus all their attention on Messi, considering the wealth of talent at Barca's disposal.
The Juve coach told reporters: "We have to be ready, we have to be good. We know Messi's skills, but we can't forget the likes of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta also.
"Man-marking Messi is almost impossible. We have to be good at working well around him. I think beyond stopping Messi they have Neymar and Suarez - players with technical skills so we have to be brave."
After struggling in Europe in recent seasons, Juve have defied their critics and reached Saturday's showpiece in Berlin courtesy of an impressive semi-final victory over last season's champions Real Madrid.
On Monday, Allegri was asked if comparisons can be made with Inter's treble-winning team under Jose Mourinho in 2010, but the Italian was more focused on Juve's accomplishments.
"We will see afterwards [if comparisons can be made to Inter], if we manage to win the cup. If not it will be different," he said.
"Regardless of anything a final must be played and I think it will be a more than extraordinary result winning this cup. The squad have had a great season - winning the Champions League would be something uncommon having won Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
"It's a Champions League final - it's normal to face the best players in the world, but we're not afraid of facing Barcelona.
"Preparing for a game like this is enjoyable. Everyone dreams of doing so and I consider myself very fortunate to coach players who have brought great joy over these past four years. It's been an extraordinary season that will go down in history, and winning the Champions League would make it even better.
"The meeting with Real was a useful test for us, enabling us to pit our wits against top quality players, as we will be doing when we face Barcelona. It will be even tougher in Berlin, but it's a one-off game and that perhaps represents a slight advantage for us.
"We need to appreciate that we'll be in for some difficult spells but also moments that will go in our favour. We're not travelling to Berlin to make up the numbers. It's the final and taking on the world's best players is something that's perfectly normal, but this shouldn't make us anxious as we have great character.
"We need to stay compact and keep it tight. They possess great quality, but so do we. We will prepare for every eventuality, including penalties, but I don't think it will go to spot-kicks."
The Barcelona defender was elated after his side won the Copa del Rey and hopes they can complete the treble with European glory
Gerard Pique says that Barcelona can reach "perfection" if they complete their treble win by beating Juventus in the Champions League final.
The Catalan side defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in the Copa del Rey on Saturday to add to the Liga title they previously claimed.
Luis Enrique's men take on Juve in the European final on June 6, as they seek to win their first Champions League title since 2011.
Pique says the campaign has been excellent thus far, but the side can make it perfect next Saturday.
"After the league and the cup, if we win the Champions League, it'd be reaching perfection. It's already a great season, but the Champions League would make it brilliant," he told reporters after the game.
"We got ready for the Copa del Rey final as if it were against Real Madrid or Atletico. They pressured us for the ball hard at the beginning, but we made good use of the spaces."
Neymar courted controversy with some Athletic players due to a perceived lack of respect towards the end of the game, but Pique insisted it was not significant.
"It's no big deal. Maybe Neymar shouldn't have been showboating so much and perhaps the Athletic players were already a bit wound up because they were losing."
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique played down concerns over Andres Iniesta's injured calf, although the midfielder could miss the UEFA Champions League final.
Iniesta was substituted in the 56th minute of Barcelona's Copa del Rey triumph on Saturday, with the 31-year-old immediately putting ice on his right calf.
Reports in the Spanish media claim Iniesta will have scans on the injury on Sunday, although Luis Enrique argued the Spain international should be fine, considering how he celebrated Barca's 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
"I hope it's not serious and that he can play in Berlin," the 45-year-old coach said, according to AS.
"I saw him jumping during the cup celebrations."
Iniesta nevertheless looks set to face a race against the clock to be ready for the Champions League final next week, as Luis Enrique confirmed he "felt discomfort".
Barcelona will face Juventus in the Champions League decider on Saturday.
Claudio Marchisio insists Juventus go into the UEFA Champions League final with no fear despite facing an in-form Barcelona in Berlin.
Both sides have wrapped up domestic doubles heading into this weekend's showpiece final, with Barcelona's superstar front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar looking in ominious form as they beat Athletic Bilbao to lift the Copa del Rey on Saturday.
A stunning Messi run and finish provided the highlight of a 3-1 Barca win, but Marchisio is confident Juventus can hold their own.
"We're happy because if we look at the start of the season no one was betting on us to reach the final," Marchisio said in a news conference on Monday. "We're enjoying the week but focusing and preparing hard because we're facing a great team.
"We have to be focused, [we are] facing a great team with three great strikers, [they have scored] 120 goals - we know their potential, but we work hard, we have motivation and have to think about preparing hard for the match.
"We have expectations and want to show our best potential, while respecting a great squad like Barcelona - but we do not fear them."
Carlos Tevez is likely to be key if Juventus are to lift the title for a third time, and Marchisio has nothing but praise for the Argentine forward.
He added: "What can we say about Carlos? Since he came here he has been exceptional.
"He had been presented in many wrong ways, many thought he's a player that creates problems but he was really humble.
"He's one of the main strengths of the squad. He's fundamental for us."
Champions League win would be ´more than extraordinary´ - Allegri
1 June 2015
Massimiliano Allegri believes beating Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final would be a "more than extraordinary result", and has warned his Juventus side that there is more to the Spanish champions than Lionel Messi.
Juve are one match away from completing a famous treble having already secured the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles this term.
After struggling in Europe in recent seasons, Juve have defied their critics and reached Saturday's showpiece in Berlin courtesy of an impressive semi-final victory over last season's champions Real Madrid.
On Monday, Allegri was asked if comparisons can be made with Inter's treble-winning team under Jose Mourinho in 2010, but the Italian was more focused on Juve's accomplishments.
"We will see afterwards [if comparisons can be made to Inter], if we manage to win the cup. If not it will be different," he said.
"Regardless of anything a final must be played and I think it will be a more than extraordinary result winning this cup. The squad have had a great season - winning the Champions League would be something uncommon having won Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
"Playing the last game of the season creates so much motivation. It's hard to fight for three goals, we will need some luck to win this match."
Barca are also on the cusp of completing a treble after a 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend saw them add Copa del Rey success to their Liga triumph.
Superstar Messi once more grabbed the headlines with a brace at Camp Nou, including a sublime first goal in the 57th minute.
Yet Allegri believes it would be a huge mistake for Juve to focus all their attention on Messi, considering the wealth of talent at Barca's disposal.
The Juve coach added: "We have to be ready, we have to be good. We know Messi's skills, but we can't forget the likes of Neymar, [Luis] Suarez and [Andres] Iniesta also.
"Man-marking Messi is almost impossible. We have to be good at working well around him. I think beyond stopping Messi they have Neymar and Suarez - players with technical skills and we have to be brave.
"We know there will be difficult moments during the game. We're not going to be waiting for them to score us a goal.
"It's a Champions League final - it's normal to face the best players in the world, but we're not afraid of facing Barcelona."
Chiellini: There'd be no wondergoal for god-like Messi in Italy
By Mark Doyle
Jun 1, 2015 19:58:09
The centre-backs says that while the Argentine is "the best player of the last 30 years" he wouldn't be as prolific if he played in Serie A
Giorgio Chiellini thinks "god of football" Lionel Messi would not have scored the wondergoal he bagged for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final against an Italian team's defence.
The Argentina international's genius is once again being toasted across the globe after he netted a sensational strike on Saturday against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou, with the 27-year-old leaving four players trailing in his wake before firing home the opener in the 3-1 victory.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Champions League final against Barca, Chiellini lauded Messi's talent but argued the four-time Ballon d'Or winner would be better marked if he plied his trade in Serie A.
"It was certainly a great goal," the versatile centre-back told reporters on Monday. "I don’t think Messi would be able to score a goal like that in Italy, where the defending is much better than in Spain.
"There’s better football in La Liga but worse defending.
"But Messi is now the god of football. It’s difficult to compare him with Diego Maradona, Pele and company, but he’s probably the best player of the last 30 years."
Chiellini will not only have the chance to pit his wits against Messi in Berlin on Saturday but will also meet Luis Suarez for the first time since the Uruguay international bit him during last summer's World Cup.
The 30-year-old insisted, though, he does not hold a grudge against the former Liverpool striker and will be more than happy to shake his hand ahead of the kick-off.
"Of course I’ll greet him before the game," he added. "Those who know me know that there won’t be any problems. Nothing has changed between us.
"It’ll be like greeting Karim Benzema or Javier Hernandez. I’ll be attentive to his movements.
"But Juve come into the Champions League final with great credit and humility. If we do things bravely and limit Barca’s qualities, we’ll have a chance."
Will he be fit to face Barcelona? Juve face anxious wait after Chiellini injury
By Miles Chambers
Jun 3, 2015 16:20:31
The experienced defender's fitness has been cast into doubt after the Italian club revealed he pulled up during Wednesday's training session
Juventus' defence is facing a Champions League final crisis after Giorgio Chiellini was sidelined in training on Wednesday, casting his fitness in doubt ahead of Saturday's clash with Barcelona.
The centre-back, 30, has played every minute of the Bianconeri's current European campaign, which has seen them eliminate Real Madrid, Monaco and Borussia Dortmund en route to Berlin.
However, the Scudetto and Coppa Italia holders are now in limbo over whether Chiellini will be fit to feature against the Liga and Copa del Rey champions due to calf problem picked up with just three days to go until the showdown.
"Chiellini was forced to leave the field with a sore left calf on Wednesday," Juventus confirmed on their official website. "His condition will be evaluated on Thursday."
Massimiliano Allegri has, at least, been given some good news as Chiellini's defensive team-mate Andrea Barzagli completed a full training session having recovered from a muscular problem.
Barzagli missed the final game of the Serie A season against Hellas Verona – a 2-2 draw away from home – after being forced off against Napoli with a thigh injury.
The only way to stop Messi is to foul him and pray, says Materazzi
Jun 3, 2015 12:28:25
EXCLUSIVE: The Italian feels there is no legal way to keep the Argentine quiet and says Gianluigi Buffon does not need a Champions League medal to go down as a great
By Rahul Bali
Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi has told Juventus that the only way to stop Lionel Messi in Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona is to foul him.
The Argentine forward has been in supreme form since the turn of the year and scored a spectacular goal in the 3-1 Copa del Rey win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
And Materazzi, now coach of Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC, has come up with a novel way to prevent him from being devestating in the upcoming match in Berlin.
"In my opinion, you should pray and then commit a foul to stop him!" he told Goal.
"Messi makes the difference more than any other player. If Juventus are able to limit his actions then they have every chance.
"In any case, we are speaking about a final, a one-off game, so anything can happen."
Juve skipper Gianluigi Buffon has never won the European Cup but Materazzi feels that he does not need to add the trophy to his CV.
The World Cup winner added: "Buffon will forever remain one of the biggest names and all of his awards speak for themselves."
Bartomeu: Winning the Champions League would be an honour
By Enis Koylu
Jun 3, 2015 12:13:54
Luis Enrique's men are looking to win a fifth European crown and complete a treble this season and the club's president hopes they lift the trophy again
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says that the club's fifth Champions League title would be an honour for him.
The Catalans have already won La Liga and the Copa del Rey this season and can seal their second treble in just six years in Saturday's European final when they take on Juventus.
Bartomeu is delighted with the progress Luis Enrique's side have made this season but is determined to add the final title in Berlin.
"Football is not easy and that's why I tell everyone that the double is spectacular," he told Cadena Ser.
"We've done a great job but the Champions League would be an honour.
"In 2011 I was vice-president and it was a final that everyone in the world will remember but this year, we have a slightly different team and I have the responsibility of being president.
"I want to see some of the best players in the world lifting the trophy."
Barca face a presidential election this summer but Bartomeu is refusing to name a date for the vote.
"There is no date for the elections. I don't want to talk about it until we finish the season. I don't fix the date."
The Camp Nou side meet Juve at 20.45CET on Saturday.
'Messi could score that goal anywhere' - Luis Enrique hits back at Chiellini
By Matthew Rogerson
Jun 2, 2015 14:56:40
The Barcelona boss has responded to the Juventus defender's comments about the Argentine and discussed Paul Pogba's return to fitness
Luis Enrique feels Lionel Messi would be able to replicate his first goal in Saturday's Copa del Rey final against teams from any league in the world.
The Argentina international evaded three Athletic Bilbao players before opening the scoring in stunning fashion during the 3-1 victory at Camp Nou.
Ahead of the Champions League final against Juventus this weekend, Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini suggested Messi would struggle to score such a goal in Serie A.
However, the Barca boss told reporters: "I think he can do it in any circumstances, in any league in the world.
"Messi is the best player in world, in history probably. Messi, since he [came to Barca] has adapted to a way of playing that benefits him.
"His team-mates are of the highest quality and he has been playing from early on with players who enjoy the game.
"They are not so physical but they play the ball, this is the idea we have here and I'm sure it has contributed to his success.
"He is the best in world but his environment is extremely beneficial for him."
Saturday's final in Berlin will also see Chiellini come up against Luis Suarez for the first time since the infamous biting incident at the World Cup last year.
Luis Enrique played down any suggestions he would need to talk to Suarez about it, saying it is an incident which belongs firmly in the past.
The coach said: "We have spoken only about the final. Suarez's story belongs to the history of football - everyone is entitled to make mistakes."
The former Celta Vigo boss admits he has been obsessing over the showpiece event and warns that Paul Pogba's return to fitness could prove vital for Juventus.
"It is the most important match and I have not stopped thinking about it," he said. "We have had a very good Champions League against the champions of England, France, Germany... we are convinced we will play a good game.
"We will try to have the ball but at some point we can use the space. We have to play well with the ball and without the ball. It is important to have different options.
"Football depends on the decisions of each coach. There will always be surprises by the coaches. Then there is the performance of the players and the ability to change things in the game.
"Pogba had an injury but has returned, he is a major player, one of the best.
"Everything worries me about Juve. I'm interested that Pirlo hasn't played that much. They have improved playing the ball out from the back, they have players who can hurt us. Alvaro Morata has given them more quality and goals this year."
Luis Enrique's future remains the subject of speculation but the former Spain international says he has not yet made a decision.
"My future does not depend on the final of the Champions League. It's not decided yet," he added.
The Barcelona star says it would be "perfect" to win the Champions League on his team-mate's final appearance, while Sergio Busquets insists Lionel Messi can score in any league
Andres Iniesta thinks Andrea Pirlo is one of the great midfielders of the current game - but says Xavi is undoubtedly No.1 in his position.
Saturday's Champions League final sees two of modern football's top central midfielders come face to face as Xavi's Barcelona meet Pirlo's Juventus.
Iniesta says the Italy veteran is undoubtedly an example for players across the world but is in no doubt that his long-time team-mate is top of the pile.
"One motivation is Xavi," he told reporters ahead of the game in Berlin. "It would be perfect [to win it for him]. It is spectacular for a player like him to be able to say goodbye to the best season possible.
"Pirlo has always had an impact on the teams he has played. He's a global reference.
"For me, the No.1 midfielder is Xavi. I have been fortunate to have him as a friend and companion all my life. As for Pirlo, his career and his impact are references for any player. The numbers speak for themselves and it will be nice to see the players face to face."
Iniesta had been a doubt for the game with a slight injury problem but the 31-year-old says he is confident he will be fit to face Massimiliano Allegri's men.
"I had some discomfort and nothing more. Not being there on Saturday hasn't entered my mind," he said. "I hope everything will go well and I'll be available to play to finish this season in the best way we expect.
"The sensations are very good and we would end up with an excellent season if we get the Champions League. We face a team with quality, who don't just play defensively. If we do things right and we are as we should be, our chances will be higher but do not see us as favourites because that would be a mistake.
"I think Allegri has enormous respect for us, just as we have for the Juve players. Any situation can unsettle the team. We have to be aware of Pirlo, but also of all their players."
Giorgio Chiellini caused a stir when he claimed Lionel Messi would not be able to repeat his remarkable Copa del Rey final goal in Italy as Serie A's defending is better, prompting an assertive response from Luis Enrique.
And Sergio Busquets likewise insists the Argentine's talent would give him few problems playing abroad.
"I think that Messi can score anywhere," he said. "Athletic are a great opponent. He's the best player in the world, so never mind where he plays, he can always do that. The talent he has is what makes the difference."
He added of Juventus: "The match itself will be difficult but we will give everything to take the title.
"It will be a tough battle in midfield. They have a different system in midfield but I expect to win that battle because it is important to us.
"Juventus have four defensive players with great quality and experience. They are a team that can play in many ways so we'll see how the game goes."
The veteran coach is full of admiration for the Catalans' style of play but feels that they must be wary against Juventus in the Champions League final
Former Juventus boss Fabio Capello says that attending a Barcelona game at Camp Nou is like watching Luciano Pavarotti sing.
The Catalans have been in supreme form since the turn of the year, winning the domestic double and making progress to the Champions League final against Juventus on Saturday.
And the 68-year-old loves watching Luis Enrique's side in full flow, comparing them to the legendary opera singer, but feels that they will have their work cut out to break down the Bianconeri.
"If you buy a ticket to Camp Nou, you're going to see something different, like going to see Luciano Pavarotti sing," he told Onda Cero.
"The Champions League is 50-50 between both teams. The chances are that Juventus will defend very well, even if they're missing an important player in Andrea Barzagli.
"They're not easy to stop so it'll be a very balanced game. Technically, Barca are better, they are stronger and know how to play better but they must be wary of Juventus' counterattacks."
Capello went on to praise Lionel Messi's season, saying that he is in the best form of his life.
"He's a sensitive boy, very serious and has had money and family problems. Now that's quieter because the problems are almost fixed and we're seeing the best Messi," said the coach.
Capello, who had two spells as Real Madrid boss, also voiced his opinion that Rafa Benitez, who was confirmed as the club's new coach on Wednesday, may fail to prove himself an adequate replacement for Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.
He continued: "The Real Madrid shirt weighs a lot for the coach too. I don't know if Benitez can be a guaranteed substitute for Ancelotti. The problem is that clubs sometimes don't understand the value of the coach."
The veteran midfielder will play his final game for the club on Saturday and his old team-mates hope he will bow out by winning the Champions League
Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol hopes that his successor Xavi can have a dream ending to his career by lifting the Champions League.
The veteran midfielder will leave Camp Nou for Al Sadd at the season's end and has already crowned his final season at the club with the domestic double.
However, Puyol wants to see his former colleague triumph in Europe against Juventus on Saturday before he leaves the continent for Qatar.
"I really hope he can do it," he told Sport.
"I'm confident in the team and it'd be a great image for him to finish his time as a Barca player.
"Xavi has lifted trophies as captain, but I hope he can lift the Champions League, which is different."
Puyol was Barca skipper in 2011 when the club won their last Champions League and famously let Eric Abidal, who had just recovered from cancer, lift the cup.
"He had fought very hard and had shown us that you always have to fight. He deserved it. It takes a lot to explain what it feels like when he lifts the cup."
Barca and Juventus meet in Berlin at 20:45CET on Saturday.
The defender has given his side a boost after Giorgio Chiellini was ruled out with a calf injury earlier on Thursday
Andrea Barzagli has given Juventus a fitness boost after he was named in the 22-man squad to face Barcelona in Saturday's Champions League final.
The defender has been battling to recover from a torn thigh muscle in time to make the game, with his inclusion even more important after Giorgio Chiellini was ruled out with a calf problem.
Juventus squad:
Goalkeepers: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho
Defenders: Ogbonna, Bonucci, De Ceglie, Barzagli, Lichtsteiner, Evra
Juventus defender Chiellini ruled out of Champions League final
Jun 4, 2015 12:47:01
The Turin side have confirmed that their star defender will miss Saturday's showpiece against Barcelona after suffering a first degree tear to his left calf
Juventus have received a big blow ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona after confirming that Giorgio Chiellini will miss the game due to injury.
The influential defender pulled up in training on Wednesday with a calf problem and underwent a scan on Thursday.
The results have revealed that Chiellini will not recover in time to play in Berlin.
“Giorgio Chiellini was subjected to tests following calf discomfort in yesterday’s session,” the club announced in a statement.
“The tests showed a first-degree lesion of the soleus muscle in his left leg, so the defender will not be available for the match against Barcelona.”
The loss of Chiellini is a big setback for Juve, who are already without Martin Caceres and are struggling to get Andrea Barzagli fit for the showpiece.
Barzagli returned to training on Wednesday but is not 100 per cent fit and the Turin side will decide whether to play the 34-year-old in Chiellini's place, or instead opt for Angelo Ogbonna.
The Argentine has warned his team-mates about his compatriot and feels Juventus' disciplined style of play makes them a difficult opponent
Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has singled out Carlos Tevez as Juventus' main threat ahead of Saturday's Champions League final in Berlin.
The 31-year-old has been the star of the club's campaign, with his goal helping to fire them to Serie A and Coppa Italia success.
Tevez and Mascherano played alongside one another at Corinthians and West Ham, as well as for Argentina, and the midfielder knows all too well the qualities of his former team-mate.
"Tevez is a top player, a magnificent centre-forward and, above all, a player who likes to win. He's made for these games," Mascherano told the official Uefa website.
"We have played against each other during Boca v River games, during Manchester United v Liverpool. We have played together as well.
"Our paths in the beginning were quite similar but then he went to Manchester and I went to Liverpool."
The Argentina international added that the Juve's disciplined style of football could prove to be a difficult tactical web to overcome on Saturday.
"They have that Italian competitive edge," he added. "It is always difficult to overcome that because they are very, very competitive. They are very tactical. They understand football and on top of that they have a lot of talent.
"It is not a traditional Italian team. They play like Italians but they have a lot of talent, they know how to attack and they can play in different ways. They have lots of variety and that makes them very difficult to play against."
Mascherano joined Barcelona from Liverpool in the summer of 2010 and admits he initially struggled to adapt to his new surroundings.
"It was difficult in the first few months but I've always believed that training with great players makes you a better player and that's what has happened to me.
"Obviously I am never going to have the quality of Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernández or Andrés Iniesta, but I can deal with situations that before I would have struggled with."
Barcelona favourites because of ‘best player in the world’ Messi – Dragan Stojkovic
Jun 4, 2015 19:00:00
EXCLUSIVE: The Yugoslavia great and Italia ’90 hero is in awe at the brilliance of the Argentine star but believes Juventus can’t be written off on Saturday
By Nikola Nikic
Red Star Belgrade legend Dragan Stojkovic says that Barcelona are favourites to beat Juventus in Saturday’s Champions League final thanks to the presence of Lionel Messi.
Stojkovic was one of Europe’s most admired playmakers during the late 1980s and early 90s, enjoying some titanic tussles with Red Star against Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan in the European Cup.
The former No.10 agrees with the majority of experts that Barcelona will be hard to beat in Berlin.
"I always expected to see Barcelona reach the final – even back in the autumn when they were receiving a lot of criticism from fans and the media. They are always contenders,” Stojkovic told Goal.
“But I was pleasantly surprised by Juventus and I’m sure I’m not the only one who didn't expect them to go so far in the competition. Especially after they were drawn against the mighty Real Madrid in the semis. But, they deserve to be a part of the spectacle in Berlin after what they showed in 180 minutes versus Real.
"Barcelona are the favourites because they have the best player in the world. I've had the pleasure to watch Messi several times from the stands and enjoy his magical play, it is surreal what that man can do with the ball.
“They have top goalscorers like Neymar and Luis Suarez next to him and also a very strong midfield that can assist those three forwards, as well as score themselves. And their defence is no weaker than the rest of the team, either, as they conceded the fewest goals in La Liga.”
Stojkovic truly burst onto the scene at the 1990 World Cup in Italy where he was one of the players of the tournament for Yugoslavia, scoring two brilliant goals to knock out Spain in the second round.
The 50-year-old, who reached the European Cup final with Marseille the following year and famously refused to take a penalty in the shootout defeat against his beloved Red Star, does believe though that Juventus can’t be written off.
"Juventus have a chance,” he said.
“They are a very experienced team that can play to get a result. They are aware of their strengths after winning Serie A and I am impressed by their compact defence.
“They will defend in the final - that is logical and justified because Barca will use the tiniest crack in your defence to score.
“I don't care who wins, I just admire the way Barca play and Messi. I can't wait to take my place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin!”
