CL - Vialli: Hiddink can make the difference in Juve tie

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Frank Lampard (right) takes direction from Claudio Ranieri

Friends reunited: Frank Lampard (right) takes direction from Claudio Ranieri when the Italian was in charge at Stamford Bridge

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Frank Lampard has hailed Claudio Ranieri for transforming his game and mindset during their time together at Chelsea.

The Italian coach brings his Juventus side to Stamford Bridge for the Champions League last 16 clash on Wednesday and Lampard is sure that the 'Tinkerman' will receive a warm welcome.

'It'll be very special to see Claudio again,' said the England midfielder. 'I love the man. If it wasn't for Claudio I might not be where I am now. 'He brought me to the club, improved my game and showed me another side to the game. As a West Ham boy I was contract minded and didn't know the continental style and the way to live my life. 'He brought me here and showed me those ways and I've got nothing but thanks for him for the way he helped my career.'

Ranieri left Chelsea about a year after Roman Abramovich bought the club, but Lampard suggests that the Italian laid the groundwork for future successes under Jose Mourinho. 'He made John captain at a young age, signed Gallas and bought Petr Cech at the end. He took us to the Champions League semi-final and was a huge part of what we went on to achieve.

'No one's got a bad word to say about him around the place which shows you what a good man he is. I'm very pleased at how well he's done at Juventus.'

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Vialli says Hiddink can inspire players like Frank Lampard after his arrival as interim manager.

Gianluca Vialli believes the appointment of Guus Hiddink as Chelsea coach makes Juventus' Champions League last-16 clash even more difficult.

Vialli has more interest than most in the tie, the first leg of which is at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, as he represented both clubs as a player and managed the Blues for 18 months following the sacking of Ruud Gullit.

The Italian feels Juve boss Claudio Ranieri, who also coached Chelsea before making way for Jose Mourinho, perhaps has the upper hand, but says the task has been made harder by Hiddink replacing the axed Luiz Felipe Scolari.

''With the old coach the tie would have been in Juve's favour,'' said Vialli. ''Hiddink has already made an impact. Now they will want to confirm it in Europe.''

Playing the second leg at home should be in the Bianconeri's favour but Vialli is wary of Chelsea's impressive away form.

''Strangely, it will be harder in Turin because Chelsea play better away from home and get better results,'' he continued. ''At home the noise of the crowd urges them forward and they do not always succeed.

''Chelsea are lacking a midfielder like (Michael) Essien. (John Obi) Mikel is still not up to his level. If (Mohamed) Sissoko plays like he did on Saturday, Chelsea should be worried.''

Vialli added: ''There will be fantastic duels. (Didier) Drogba and (Nicolas) Anelka against (Nicola) Legrottaglie and (Giorgio) Chiellini; (Alessandro) Del Piero and Amauri against (John) Terry and Alex.