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By Anthony Nlebem.
Nigerian striker Moses Simon is confident of victory as Nantes travel to Turin in a crucial tie against Juventus in the first leg knockout round play-offs of the Europa League on Thursday at the Allianz Stadium.
The Nigeria international has been impressive for Les Canaris and has made six appearances and will be hoping to turn in another brilliant display against a depleted Juve side.
The 28-year-old winger who has rich experience in the Europa League during his days with Belgian Jupiler League side Gentis is certain that the Canaries can upset the Old Lady.
Despite the Old Lady’s stature, Simon is not bothered, as he believes his Nantes side have the quality to beat the Turin giants.
“I think the only thing we are waiting for is a victory against Juventus,” Simon said on Europa League’s website.
“But we all know that in football you never know. Juventus is a great club, they have a great team. But we just have to wait for D-Day and the best will win.
“We know of course that many people will say that Nantes remain Nantes, that it is a small club.
“However, I think in this family, in this group, we have a good mindset, even when we lose, we try to never give up. So, I think we will look no matter what to qualify.”
The last time Juventus played Nantes was in the 1996 Champions League semi-finals. Juve won 2-0 at home and then went through after a 3-2 loss in France and won the final, beating Ajax on penalties.
Winning their final two Europa League fixtures in the autumn has taken them this far, and Nantes now aim for three consecutive victories in Europe for the first time since 2001.
Bianconeri are among the drop-outs from the latter competition, having crashed and burned in Group H, where they lost five times — including to relative minnows Maccabi Haifa.
Deducted 15 points due to financial indiscretions, Juve subsequently suffered their second defeat of the season to promoted Monza, and embattled coach Max Allegri was even muttering darkly about a potential fight against relegation.