Situm can't wait for Juventus date

Giants in Croatia Dinamo are playing for pride in Europe, having lost all five games and failing to even score a single goal.

 

Dinamo Zagreb striker Mario Situm described meeting Juventus as a "dream date", even if the Croatians risk another heavy defeat by the Italian champions on Wednesday.

Giants in Croatia Dinamo are playing for pride in Europe, having lost all five games and failing to even score a single goal.

The Serie A champions host the side they trounced 4-0 away in September needing another win Wednesday to be sure of top spot in Group H, where they sit a point ahead of Sevilla who play Lyon in France.

Situm can also measure up with Juve's Croatia international striker Mario Mandzukic, who won the title with Dinamo three times before moving to Wolsfburg, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and now Juve.

But for the 24-year-old Situm, the opportunity to face the Old Lady of Turin is already a dream come true.

He only returned to Dinamo earlier this year from the second of two loan spells, at Italian Serie B side La Spezia.

"It's a dream for most of our players to come to a club like Juventus and play them in the Champions League," said Situm.

"For me it's a bit more special because less than a year ago I was still playing in Serie B. To imagine I'm about to face Juventus in the Champions League is a little surreal.

"I've had a lot of calls from ex-teammates wanting to know how I feel. I feel great, and hopefully we can go out and play for the jersey and show how good we are."

Given Juve's romp in Zagreb last time out, Bianconeri fans would be forgiven for expecting another one-sided match.

But Massimiliano Allegri's Italian champions are nursing several casualties, with striker Paulo Dybala and former Dinamo midfielder Mark Pjaca still recovering, while Dani Alves and defensive pair Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci are out injured till the New Year.

Dinamo coach Ivaylo Petev, who only took over Dinamo in the summer, says they are ready to go out and claim their first point.

"We haven't taken any points yet but we've played more games in the Champions League since we last met Juventus," said Petev.

"We know how strong Juventus are but we hope to go out and show our qualities."