Leonardo Bonucci has asked that Juventus play at optimal level if they want a win against Porto when the two sides meet in the first leg of their round of 16 tie on Wednesday.
Max Allegri will take his side to theEstadio do Dragao inPortugal, where they will look to gain the upper hand and return home with a positive result in the bag.
Bonucci is of the opinion that his side won't beat the Portuguese outfit unless they play at their best, pointing out that he has the utmost respect for Juve's upcoming opponents.
It will take a great Juve to advance in the Champions League,� Bonucci said to uefa.com (H/TForza Italian Football). We will come up against a team with a lot of exciting youngsters who will have nothing to lose.
Porto might not be one of Europe's biggest teams but there is the utmost respect for them from our side. They went through a tough spell early this season but they have come through it.�
However, the 29-year-old may not even feature in the match.According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Bonucci could be left in the stands on Wednesday as punishment for arguing with Allegri during Juve's 4-1 win over Palermo on Friday.
He has since been fined by the club, but Allegri could further castigate the player by leaving him out of the game against Porto.
These things happen," the coach said to the media after the incident."There was a misunderstanding, but it's no issue, these things happen.�
Still, we are left to see whether or not he banishes Bonucci on Wednesday.
Kavan Flavius is a regular contributor to the Official Chelsea Guest Fan Blog, find him on Twitter @KavanFlavius.