Max Allegri feels Juventus” data-scaytid=”2″>Juventus and Roma are “on a par” going into tomorrow’s Scudetto showdown and has doubts, but no regrets.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“This is not a two-horse race for the title,” assured the Coach in his Press conference.
Max Allegri feels Juventus and Roma are “on a par” going into tomorrow’s Scudetto showdown and has doubts, but no regrets.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“This is not a two-horse race for the title,” assured the Coach in his Press conference.
“We must try to get as many points as possible and tomorrow’s game is for us and for Roma. The fans help us, as the Juventus Stadium provides a great atmosphere with the supporters so close to the pitch. I am sure they can give us an extra boost.
“When you play against a strong side, you cannot let the rest of the season affect you. At this moment Roma are our main antagonists, but it won’t be a fundamental match for the Scudetto, as another 96 points are up for grabs.
“We will try to win knowing what type of game Roma will come here to play. We need to push hard, both when we have the ball and when we don’t. We need to force Roma on to the defensive and they’ll think the same way about us.
“These games tend to be balanced, so we must make the most of the other team’s weaknesses.”
Andrea Pirlo could be back on the bench after a long injury lay-off, but Allegri confessed to other uncertainties.
“I have the doubt between Asamoah and Evra, two very reliable players. It could be Asamoah’s moment, as Evra has played several in a row. Caceres and Morata are both available.
“I spoke to Andrea yesterday, he has been out for six weeks and therefore his fitness levels aren’t good. We need him at 100 per cent, because he is one of the most important players.”
Juventus are fresh from a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, while Roma held Manchester City 1-1 at the Etihad.
“It wasn’t a very entertaining match in Madrid, as it was very tactical and the first mistake would prove costly,” argued Allegri.
“We showed great character against a team that won La Liga and was a Champions League Finalist in May. Losing like that lets you see the match in a certain way. The team played well and in my view showed some very good things.
“There has to be more balance when judging results, as one game cannot define an entire season. If the group ended today, we’d still be top on goal difference.
“The same goes for tomorrow in Serie A, as we are joint top of the table in Week 6. Roma have strengthened a great deal and also gained in belief. We want to confirm our status and win the Scudetto again.
“Both teams reach this game on an even footing, so the Champions League ties midweek won’t change the value of these squads.
“We are aware that we’re facing a quality side like Roma, so will play with the same intensity as in Madrid, but improving technically.
“Totti is a player who made history, like other great number 10s such as Baggio and Del Piero. He keeps himself in good condition, has great ability and experience.”
Allegri was famously offered the Roma job last summer, but opted to remain at Milan where he was fired six months later, paving the way for the Rudi Garcia revolution.
“I have no regrets in my life. I became the Coach of Juventus and if I had gone to Roma back then, I wouldn’t be here now. I decided to stay at Milan and I don’t regret it.”