Massimiliano Allegri explained his change of tactics as Juventus were held 0-0 by Fiorentina.

After winning all six competitive games in November, Allegri shelved the four-man defence for a return to the 3-5-2. It resulted in their first Serie A goalless stalemate since November 2012, a run of 76 games with at least a goal.

Massimiliano Allegri explained his change of tactics as Juventus were held 0-0 by Fiorentina.

After winning all six competitive games in November, Allegri shelved the four-man defence for a return to the 3-5-2. It resulted in their first Serie A goalless stalemate since November 2012, a run of 76 games with at least a goal.

“With Lichtsteiner out and Padoin tending to do better at left-back, I tried to provide more protection against Cuadrado’s pace and then switch back in the second half,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Chiellini and Ogbonna were booked, so I tried to maintain the system to the end. Fiorentina contrasted us well and we had three chances that we should’ve taken better, as in these tight games the final ball should not be misplaced.

“In the first half we were caught out on the break from a Vidal misplaced pass, which is unusual, as we made more mistakes than usual tonight.”

Kingsley Coman had his second Serie A start, the first alongside Fernando Llorente.

“Coman had a good game and is particularly dangerous on the one-on-one. Llorente worked well, it was not easy and we didn’t develop our football as well, but when both teams mirror each other in tactics it inevitably comes down to individual duels.

“I chose Llorente because in physical terms he holds the ball up well and did that a lot in the first half. Coman attacks the space, so having two players doing that was risky and could’ve left us without reference points in attack.

“I could’ve introduced Morata for Pereyra, but I had two centre-backs booked and it was too much of a risk.”

Juventus also rotated ahead of Tuesday’s decisive Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

“We have excellent sensations. It’s an important match, we must try to win with two clear goals, as our objective is to qualify and hopefully even top the group.”

A draw would be enough to send the Bianconeri through to the knockouts.

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