While Juventus were stuttering on home turf against Portuguese giants Benfica, in their final Champions League group game on Wednesday, Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven were getting the better of Liverpool.
PSV registered a thrilling 3-2 triumph over the English Premier League table toppers, to finish with four victories in five European matches.
The team sit top of the Dutch Eredivise, and are a tough proposition for ailing Juve. The Bianconeri will host PSV at the Allianz Stadium on 11 or 12 February, where head coach Motta will be aiming for cheers rather than jeers, before the club travels to the Netherlands for the second leg the following week.
Overall victory over the Dutch heavyweights will earn Juventus a shot at European glory, with a last 16 berth in the new-look Champions League format.
With Inter Milan automatically through to the last 16 of the Champions League, and Bologna failing to progress, Juventus were one of three Italian teams to be involved in today’s draw held in Nyon, Switzerland. Gian Piero Gasperini will lead his Atalanta side against Juve's tormentors Club Brugge.
AC Milan, the seven-time European champions, would surely have been a favourable draw for Motta. The Rossoneri have been drawn against Feyenoord, also a Dutch team. Head coach Sergio Conceicao is trying to steady the ship, having taken over in December following the sacking of Paulo Fonseca.
Champions League Play-Off Draw
AS Monaco v Benfica
Brest v Paris St-Germain
Celtic v Bayern Munich
Club Brugge v Atalanta
Feyenoord v AC Milan
Manchester City v Real Madrid
Sporting Lisbon v Borussia Dortmund