Manuel Locatelli, the Juventus midfielder, expressed his great excitement for his team's match against Borussia Dortmund in the first round of the Champions League, confirming that the atmosphere in the locker room is very positive after the victory over Inter in Serie A.

Locatelli said: "We are definitely very excited, winning against Inter gave us a huge morale boost, it was a wonderful victory in the Derby d'Italia, we feel good and have great confidence."

The Italian midfielder added: "Tomorrow the Champions League begins, which is the most beautiful tournament ever, we will play at home, and the atmosphere will be special, and hearing the Champions League music will be something special for us."

Regarding the team's aspirations in the competition this season, Locatelli explained: "Last season we felt regret due to the early elimination, but now the group is cohesive, and it is important to start the tournament strongly."

On the penalty he scored against Venezia, he said: "It was a very special moment for me and I remember it with pleasure, but the credit goes to the team, we are excited because it is the most important tournament in the world."

Regarding Juventus's chances of competing for the title, he stated: "There are teams stronger than us, but when we play as one team, we show good performance, we want to be ready at all times, and we must not lose enthusiasm or the desire for teamwork."

He also pointed out the importance of collective preparation in the Club World Cup, saying: "Although we have only had three rounds so far, playing as a team in the Club World Cup was very important for us, we are now more cohesive."

Concerning his individual development, Locatelli said: "I do what the coach asks of me, he asks me to play vertically, and I try to give my best."

He concluded his statements by praising the role of coach Igor Tudor: "Fear has no place in sports, the coach talks to us a lot, and we needed that, his way of communicating with us has helped unify the group, and that is very important."