Juventus coach Max Allegri admits their Europa League clash with Nantes has taken on a new value.

Allegri acknowledges after their 15 point penalty that winning the Europa League is their one chance of Champions League qualification this season.

He said, “Tomorrow starts the Europa League, it's the European journey. We were eliminated in the Champions League, but it can be a gateway to the next Champions League.

“There is the play-off with Nantes to then go to the Round of 16 and try to go all the way.

“Being knocked out of the Champions League has left us bitter and angry. The Europa League is not easy, playing it and winning it.

“Nantes come from the last 10 games with only one defeat against Marseille, making six clean sheets.

“They have fast, technical players, tomorrow we have to put the foundations in place so that we can go to Nantes with a good lead."

Allegri also said, “We are focused on the present, we're taking one step at a time. We absolutely must not lose that, it must be our strength from here to the end.

“In the league, in the cup and in Europe. We have to work and improve some things, ball control has to be done better, and we have to try to make up as many points as possible in the league."