Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero has admitted that seeing Juventus lift the FIFA Club World Cup would be his dream. But the former Bianconeri star is being realistic about their chances in the expanded tournament.
Despite his heart belonging to Juventus, Del Piero believes Paris Saint-Germain are the favorites to win the 32-team competition currently underway in the United States.
"Who will win the Club World Cup? Juventus! This is my dream, but I don't think it can happen," Del Piero confessed during an appearance on ANTV. "For me, PSG will emerge victorious."
Real Madrid Favored Over Juventus
When asked about the upcoming Round of 16 clash between Real Madrid and Juventus on July 1, Del Piero couldn't hide his split loyalties. "Now, listen, as you know my heart is black and white, and it always will be, so I hope I'm wrong, but I think Real will go through."
This prediction gives bettors something to consider. The Spanish giants enter as favorites, and even Juventus icons like Del Piero struggle to see an upset brewing.
Meanwhile, Champions League winners Real Madrid face Inter Miami in their Round of 16 match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, June 29. A win there would set up the potential showdown with Juventus.
Tournament Faces Criticism
The expanded Club World Cup hasn't escaped criticism from prominent football figures. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called it "the worst idea ever implemented in football."
Klopp's concerns center on player welfare and fixture congestion. "It's all about the game and not the surrounding events," he stated via BBC Sport.
The tournament's new format features 32 teams playing 48 games total. This expanded schedule has raised concerns about player recovery time.
"Last year it was Copa America and the European Championship, this year it's the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup," Klopp explained. "That means no real recovery for the players involved, neither physically nor mentally."
These concerns might impact team performance throughout the tournament. Squads dealing with fatigue could create opportunities for bettors looking for potential upsets.
The competition will conclude on Sunday, July 13, at the MetLife Stadium. With PSG tipped by Del Piero and Real Madrid looking strong, the coming weeks should provide plenty of excitement for football fans and betting opportunities as the tournament progresses through the knockout stages.
