Gianluigi Buffon urges Juventus to return to Europe's elite

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has urged his teammates to look at the Champions League quarter-final against Monaco as an opportunity to prove they are one of Europe's best clubs once again.

Massimiliano Allegri's side head into the second leg at the Stade Louis II with the advantage thanks to a 1-0 win in Turin last week, and Buffon is excited about the team's chances in the competition as they continue their bid for a treble.

"It is a very important game for the club as a whole and the chance to show we are back among Europe's finest," the 37-year-old told reporters.

"Monaco have what it takes to try and overturn the result. They are a strong team but we are also aware of our qualities.

"The Champions League is a trophy I've never lifted and one I'd like to as soon as possible. A team's success comes around through the squad, club and backroom staff. The coach has done really well to come in and immediately get on the same wavelength as us."

Juventus have not reached the semi-finals of the competition since 2003.