Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has backed Diego Simeone for the FIFA World Coach of the Year award, but said the other two shortlisted nominees would also be worthy winners.

"Simeone's doing really well. Winning the Spanish league when you've got Real Madrid and Barcelona is not easy, and neither is making it to the Champions League final," Allegri told media at Juve's Vinovo training ground on Monday.

Those achievements secured Simeone a place on FIFA's shortlist for the coveted coach's award alongside Germany's World Cup-winning coach Joachim Loew and Real Madrid handler Carlo Ancelotti.

Allegri added: "As well as Simeone, (Joachim) Loew and (Carlo) Ancelotti would deserve to win it"

Juventus host Simeone's Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in a make-or-break Champions League clash in Turin looking to book their ticket to the last 16 of the competition.

A draw would be enough for the Turin giants to go through, while defeat -- coupled with an Olympiakos home win over Malmo -- would end their interest in the competition.

After an opening day reverse to Olympiakos, Atletico won their ensuing four games to seal qualification to the knockout round only months after losing 4-1 to city rivals Real Madrid, who claimed a record 10th crown, in the final.

If Juventus win by two goals or more, the Turin giants will win the group.