Marco van Basten has told Sports Mole that he would like to see Juventus win the Champions League this weekend, despite his allegiance to their domestic rivals AC Milan.
The Italian side, who are two-time winners of European football's premier club competition, will be appearing in the final for the first time since 2003 when they take on Barcelona in Berlin on Saturday night.
Despite having conceded that the Spanish champions are the favourites, the former Milan striker has admitted that he would prefer to witness a Juve victory.
"Barcelona have the most possibilities to win, but Juventus are a good team and I hope that they will win. That's why I say it will be a 2-2 draw and Juventus win on penalties," said the 50-year-old, whom we spoke to in his role as Nissan's ambassador for their UEFA Champions League final activity in Berlin.
Juventus head into the contest in the German capital on the back of winning their fourth consecutive Serie A title, as well as their first Coppa Italia in two decades.
Massimiliano Allegri's men have also made an impression in this season's Champions League by recording impressive two-legged wins over Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in the knockout stages.
The reason behind such displays both domestically and abroad, according to Van Basten, is the consistency throughout the playing squad.
"Juventus have been the champions of Italy for the last four years, which means they work well together. They've won a lot together. They have an experienced team and work so much together, it gives them strength as a team. They can read a game and know how to defend, as well as attack," added the Dutch legend.
"If you compare with the Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich final five years ago, we also saw an Inter team that was very experienced and that had played together for some time - that's what is happening with Juventus now.
"The important players in the team like Chiellini, Bonucci, Pirlo and Marchisio have already been playing together for a number of years. It's the same for Barcelona. We have two strong teams in the final."
While Juventus will be aiming to win a third Champions League title, opponents Barca are going in search of their fifth crown.
Marco van Basten is a Nissan ambassador for the UEFA Champions League final, where they will be harnessing fan energy to power the trophy to the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 6. Search 'Nissan UEFA Champions League' for details.
Liam Apicella
