Juve, the Champions League owes you
In it to win it
For some time now, many people in Italy have felt that 3 June is Juve's day. Any club that signs players like Dani Alves, Pjanic and Higuaín in the same summer, loses a talent like Pogba, and still wins trophies and reaches finals only has one thing on its mind: winning. Today the Vecchia Signora is looking no further than just that. Undoubtedly, any compliments they receive about having a great tournament and what great opponents they've been - the case two years ago - won't wash. Allegri's optimism and the faith he puts in his players has been made abundantly clear since Monday: now it's time to win. No matter what.
Three is the magic number
There's nothing absurd about claiming the Champions League owes you something when you've reached eight finals and lost six of them. The Old Lay has all too often lacked that litlle bit of luck, in a competition in which they are always one of the clubs to beat, despite losing so many finals. In addition to the technical, motivational and historical narrative, you get the impression that there is a need to cling to superstition: three, the magic number. This Juve have now won a third Scudetto under Allegri, their third Italian Cup on bounce, and, in Cardiff, they could win their third Champions League to complete the hallowed treble.
Only Real Madrid stand in the way
The outcome seems to be written in the stars; finally Juve's turn after so many past disappointments. The only thing left to do is convince Real Madrid it will be that way - Zidane's men have their own date with destiny as they look to become the first club to win the trophy two years in a row in the Champions League era. Madrid of all clubs won't cause too many surprises if they manage it...