Turin: Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo has described Champions League semi-final opponents Real Madrid as the "most important club side in the world", but insists his team will face the holders without fear. Less than 48 after clinching their fourth successive Serie A crown, Juve are re-focusing their efforts on Europe, where they are hoping to reach their first Champions League final since 2003.


Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Pic/Getty Images

Standing between them and a place in the showpiece, though, are Spanish giants Real, who were crowned European champions for a record 10th time last season. It is a tough test for Juve, who are still in the running for the treble this season, but Pirlo is in optimistic mood ahead of today's first leg in Turin.