Al-Ain FC have ‘no fear’ against Juventus in Club World Cup

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 03: Facundo Zabala of Olimpia challenges for the ball with Wesley of Flamengo during the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores round of 16 first leg match between Flamengo and Olimpia at Maracana Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Al-Ain FC defender Facundo Zabala says he’ll face Juventus and Francisco Conceiçao ‘without fear’ but admits he’d like to return to Italy one day after an unfortunate spell at Venezia.

Juventus will make their 2025 Club World Cup debut on June 18 (June 19 in Italy) against United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain FC.

Their defender Zabala shared his thoughts on the competition and Juventus in an interview with TMW.

“Playing at the Club World Cup is incredible. For all of us, it’s a dream, something truly unique,” said the 26-year-old.

“A player always prepares to reach the highest level, then, of course, you hope everything goes the right way. Our goal is to be on par with the great teams that will compete in this tournament. There will be the best teams in the world, and I’m happy to be part of it.”

Zabala warns Juventus ahead of Club World Cup

This will be the first edition of the Club World Cup. Several big clubs participate, including Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester City, but there will surely be room for underdogs as it emerges from BetWright’s football betting odds.

“I expect a tough match against a team that will probably put us under a lot of pressure, given their high-quality players,” Zabala continued.

“We’ll need to follow our coach’s instructions, be organised and take advantage of our chances. Striking at the right moment and trying to make a difference.”

The Argentine defender will likely match up against Juventus’ star Conceiçao, who has officially extended his loan to play in the Club World Cup with the Old Lady.

“Never fear, always respect, because we are talking about World-class players,” said Zabala.

“In these kinds of games, you must have the highest focus, no matter the opponent. We are human beings trying to give our best on the field; fear can’t exist.”

Zabala unlucky at Venezia

Zabala is a former Venezia defender, but he made only one Serie B appearance with the Lagunari in the 2022-23 season.

“When I arrived at Venezia, I was a bit younger. I feel much more mature now, I’ve gained a lot more knowledge about football,” the defender concluded.

“It was the step I hoped to take as I expected to get more playing time, but even there, I learned a lot by playing alongside high-level players. These things are still beneficial to me today.

“I’d really like to return to Italy, as it feels like a personal redemption I want to achieve. If not the best, Italian football is surely among the best in the World. I hope to return one day, with a bit of luck I didn’t have during my time at Venezia.”