Andrea Pirlo, a two-time Champions League winner, has backed Manchester City to challenge for Europe’s elite club crown this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side made light work of German side Schalke in the last-16, securing a 10-2 aggregate triumph to ease into the quarter-finals.
Next up for Quadruple-chasing City in the competition is Premier League rivals Tottenham , whom they face three times next month.
And Pirlo, who won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, believes City and his former club Juventus are among to favourites to lift the coveted trophy in Madrid.
The Liverpool decision that may help Philippe Coutinho's Barcelona career
In a wide-ranging interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport , he said: “Juve played a perfect game against Atletico Madrid.
"Big clubs must prepare games in every single detail and they are strong enough to win provided that they won't play like they did in Madrid.
“I think Juventus are stronger than Barcelona while Man City can be more challenging”.
Turning his attention to the Serie A table, Pirlo expects Juve to secure their eighth successive league title - they are currently 15 points clear of closest rivals Napoli.
Cristiano Ronaldo slams UEFA over 'strange' VAR decision in Euro 2020 qualifiers
And the legendary midfielder, who called time on his career two years ago, is disappointed that Roma look likely to miss out on a top-four place.
He added: “I think these will be the final placements even if Lazio are very fit.
“Napoli are very strong, Inter could have done more but they had to deal with some problems in key moments of the season.
“I am a bit disappointed by Roma. I expected more in Italy after last season's Champions League semi-final. They sold their experienced players and begun it all from the very beginning".
