ROME - Juventus battled to a 0-0 draw in Monaco on Wednesday night, which sealed their passage to a first UEFA Champions League semi-final in 12 seasons. The Bianconeri will join European heavyweights Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in Friday’s draw.

 In the lead up to the second leg of Juventus’ tie against Monaco at the Stade Louis II, many had predicted that it would be difficult for Les Monegasques to break down an Italian side which didn’t need to score. This proved to be the case, as despite enjoying 57% possession and almost all the attacking play, Monaco’s European odyssey was ended by a stubborn Juventus defence.

 The home side started the match brightly with Geoffrey Kondogbia fizzing an early shot over the bar and young prodigy Bernardo Silva causing problems in behind the Italian defence. However, the three bastions at the heart of the Juventus backline, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini, were impressive throughout and stifled much of Monaco’s attacking threat.

 The introduction of Dimitar Berbatov at half time did little to change the pattern of play with Monaco continuing to probe but struggling to find a way through. In the end both teams mustered just one shot on target, with former Monegasque turned Juventus defender Patrice Evra saying “we qualified Italian style. It’s ugly but it’s solid and efficient.”

 Few could argue with Evra, who won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, however the Bianconeri will have to improve greatly if they have aspirations to progress further than the semi-finals.

 Certainly the Old Lady will benefit from a return to the side of Paul Pogba, who was injured for the game against Monaco. Juventus missed the Frenchman’s attacking flair in the heart of their midfield, as Andrea Pirlo’s usually impeccable passing radar seemed to be suffering from a few technical problems on the night.

 For Juve much will depend on the draw for the semi-finals on Friday, however with arguably the three best teams in the competition joining Juventus in the last four, there will be no easy games. Barcelona and Bayern Munich looked imperious in the second legs of their respective ties against Paris Saint Germain and Porto, and Real Madrid overcame a tricky fixture against city neighbours Atletico to qualify.