There’s an opinion building that Juventus, pursuing the third European Cup win in their history, are destiny’s team this season.

The Italian champions’ run to the Berlin final has rightly been lauded and there’s no denying that along the way they’ve played some fascinating soccer. But as is so often the case with teams who go onto win this illustrious competition, the Bianconeri have had their fair share of fortune along the way.

Don’t forget, this is a team that were on the brink of elimination when they were 2-1 down at home to Olympiakos in the group stages. Since they turned that game round with two goals in two minutes, they’ve showcased a renewed confidence and performances have reflected the shift in mindset.

But Giorgio Chiellini’s blatant handball against Monaco, the fortunate penalty awarded in the same tie and the decision not to give a penalty late in the semi-final against Real Madrid have added further credence to the notion that Juve’s name is, as the saying goes, on this trophy.

Now, Massimiliano Allegri’s men stand on the cusp of immortal status, but in their way is a phenomenal outfit.

SEE MORE — Underestimate Juventus at your peril.

The attacking triumvirate possessed by Barcelona is as close to a soccer force of nature as we’re likely to see and ominously, Lionel Messi is in the form of his life. But if any team is going to knock the Barcelona juggernaut off course in their seemingly unshakeable charge towards treble glory, it’s the Bianconeri.

Not just because fortune will favour them once again, either; there are a clutch of tangible factors that indicate the Serie A side are capable.

The core of this Juventus team has been in situ for a few seasons now and although this is the first foray these players have had into the final stages of the Champions League, they know what is required to get over the line in big matches.

After all, they’ve won four Serie A titles in succession and this year added the Coppa Italia to their haul. And yet, these players have remained insatiable in their chase for the ultimate prize, looking to crown their greatness by lifting a European Cup.

Of course, they can’t match Barcelona for attacking firepower. No side on earth can. But what about the other areas of this team? Where do the Italian champions have upper hand?

Between the sticks, perhaps. Gianluigi Buffon has been back at this best this season and is the kind of authoritarian figure that will be so important when looking to resist the Blaugrana’s offensive flourishes. As a World Cup winner, the legendary goalkeeper is a man accustomed to the big occasion too.

In front of him, while Chiellini himself will not be fit for the final, is a mean defence; arguably the most diligent, cohesive and instinctively effective on the continent. Nonetheless, even for them, snuffing out a front three which has scored 120 goals between them this season is going to be difficult.

If Juventus are to manufacture an edge in this game, it’ll be in midfield. Barca’s trio of Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta have been wonderful at the nexus of their side and have shown they can blend both functionality and fluidity during this run. Juventus’ options in the middle of the pitch are arguably even better, though.

It remains to be seen whether or not Allegri will convolute the middle in an attempt to restrict service into Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. But in games like these you need to be brave and if the Bianconeri boss does match up Barcelona in this key battle and they can still smother their supply line, it could be the platform for a Juve triumph.

There’s no reason why Juventus should be wary about going toe-to-toe in this critical battle within the war. In Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba they boast three stunning, multifaceted midfield men. Allegri will then opt for the artistry of Andrea Pirlo or one of the more pragmatic choices of Roberto Pereyra or Stefano Struaro to complete the foursome; as is obvious, there are a surfeit of options for the Italian champions.

In addition, the stellar work-rate of the front two, Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata, will make the Bianconeri brutishly difficult to break down. The forwards set the tone for the rest of this team with their infectious industry and as was evident in games against Dortmund and Real Madrid, are savvy cutting off passing lanes and preventing the ball being fed into attacking stars of the opposition.

That’s where this game can be won for Juve. Every player set to take to the field for Saturday’s final, while some are excellent offensively, have defensive instincts and an engine to match. There are no passengers whatsoever in this side and that’s been a hallmark of their progression to this stage of the competition.

It’d be naive to think being solid will be enough, though, they need to threaten too. Going forward, the power of Vidal and Pogba must come to the fore, while the intuitive lateral movement of Marchisio can give the Italians a creative fulcrum, preventing the front two becoming isolated against an understatedly solid Barcelona defence.

This Juventus squad clearly believes they can make the final step and while they remain underdogs for the title, it’s a mantle they relished in the tie with Madrid. Subsequently, Allegri will show respect to Barca’s qualities, but will know there some areas his side are superior too.

If they can execute a balanced game plan with distinction, metaphorical talk of their name being on the cup could well turn into something a lot more real.

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattJFootball