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Tiny Shamrock Rovers relish dream Juventus tie

Rovers normally ply their trade in the relative anonymity of the League of Ireland, where crowds rarely exceed a few thousand and media interest is minimal.

But for 180 minutes the Dubliners will be playing their own version of fantasy football as they try to upset former European champions Juve in a two-legged tie which kicks off in the Irish capital before the return in Italy seven days later.

Juventus are a club synonymous with success. They won 27 league titles and six European trophies with stars like Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane and Dino Zoff before a barren run caused by the 2006 bribery scandal which led to their relegation.

In contrast, the mention of Shamrock Rovers would barely register a flicker of recognition with most fans around the world.

But the team has a proud history of its’ own and, after years in disarray on and off the field, Rovers see the visit of Alessandro Del Piero and company as a chance to celebrate the club’s rebirth.

Michael O’Neill’s side finished second in the league last season, earning a place in the Europa League qualifiers, and Tommy Stewart’s winner against Israel’s Bnei Yehuda set up the dream clash with Juve.

Rovers, who play in green and white hooped shirts, are the most successful team in Irish football history and have collected 15 league titles as well as winning the Irish Cup 24 times.

But they have struggled over the last two decades. It is 16 years since they last won the league and they spent 22 years without a home following the sale of their stadium to property developers.

Rovers finally moved into the 6,000-capacity Tallaght Stadium in 2009 and that tiny arena will be packed to the rafters as fans clamour to see one of European football’s aristocracy.

The current Irish league leaders stand to make around 700,000 euros from the tie and, after years in the wilderness, O’Neill believes the Juventus clash is a reward for everyone who fought to keep the club alive.

“This club stayed alive because of people’s love for it. They refused, under any circumstances, to let the club die,” O’Neill told the Irish Independent.

“That’s why nights like this are fantastic for those people. When you come to Rovers you can sense what it means to the club, what it means to bring success to the club and the players are desperate for that.”

While the chance to take on Juventus is a red-letter day in the club’s history, it is not the first time they have played in Europe.

Former Leeds and Republic of Ireland star Johnny Giles, arguably the club’s most famous manager, masterminded the club’s record European win - a 7-0 success against Fram Reykjavik in 1982.

A repeat of that scoreline against Juve would be too much to ask for, but Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni - a former Juventus manager - has no doubts O’Neill’s side will put up a good fight.

“Man for man Juventus have better quality players,” he said. “But Shamrock Rovers are well organised and will be motivated as they are in the middle of their season.

“I am sure Juventus will not underestimate them. If Rovers are not overawed by the challenge, then they have a chance.”