EXCLUSIVE! Fabio Cannavaro: Chelsea can win Champions League again thanks to Tuchel

Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro reckons that Chelsea can become the first English club to retain the Champions League.

The Blues were crowned European champions in May after leaving Atletico Madrid, Porto and Real Madrid all in their wake before earning their bragging rights with an unlikely 1-0 win over Manchester City in the final. And that, despite their status as clear underdogs.

Cannavaro, who never faced Chelsea in his distinguished career, believes that Thomas Tuchel’s men can repeat the feat in 2022.

Chelsea got their mojo back after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Juventus in the second group game, dispatching the Old Lady 4-0 when both sides met again in London last month.

Cannavaro said: “Yes, Chelsea can [win it again]. They have a great manager in Tuchel and good players.

"Real Madrid did it for three years in a row and that was a historical milestone for the club and Zidane.

"But to win the Champions League many things have to go your way."

But for the 48-year old, who is looking to manage in Europe after a long spell in China, PSG and Bayern Munich could rival English clubs in their quest to win the famous trophy.

He added: “The English teams are the most accredited ones to win the Champions League. But also PSG with all their superstars and Bayern Munich, who everyone underestimates every year but then go deep into the competition because they have maybe one of the greatest strikers the world has seen in recent years in Lewandowski.

"The Germans have an effective style of play.”

Level on points with Juventus but with a better goal difference and head-to-head record, the Blues can now top their group with a win over Zenit tomorrow.