Massimiliano Allegri admits his Juventus side are facing a ‘crucial week’ in their season as they prepare to face Palermo and Borussia Dortmund.
The Bianconeri are 11 points clear at the top of Serie A, and will face the German giants in the Champions League Last 16 second leg on Wednesday, holding a 2-1 lead from the first game.
“I believe that this week, starting from tomorrow, is a week which is, if not decisive, then almost decisive,” Allegri declared in his press conference ahead of the Palermo game.
Massimiliano Allegri admits his Juventus side are facing a ‘crucial week’ in their season as they prepare to face Palermo and Borussia Dortmund.
The Bianconeri are 11 points clear at the top of Serie A, and will face the German giants in the Champions League Last 16 second leg on Wednesday, holding a 2-1 lead from the first game.
“I believe that this week, starting from tomorrow, is a week which is, if not decisive, then almost decisive,” Allegri declared in his press conference ahead of the Palermo game.
“For the League, which is not yet won, though everyone seems to think it is, and for the Champions League, because it’s a game which will decide whether we’re in or out.
“We have to take things one game at a time. Tomorrow I think we’ll have a difficult game at Palermo, because they’re in a healthy position in the table and therefore can play quite a carefree game.
“There will also be a full stadium, and playing Juventus will provide a huge stimulus for them, I think.
“Above all, they’re a team that has shown themselves to be at home in this League, they’ve taken 26 points at home so it will not be an easy game.
“After that, the day after tomorrow, we’ll think about Dortmund, then Genoa, then we’ll take two or three days off.
“But, I repeat, this is a crucial week for the League and the Champions League.”
With a healthy lead at the top of the table, will the former Milan Coach field his best XI against the Rosanero, with Dortmund looming?
“First of all, I don’t like to talk about better or worse, because I think the Juventus squad is full of top players.
“It’s normal that there are players who have played a lot, because this year Juventus have been without [Kwadwo] Asamoah, [Martin] Caceres – Caceres because he’s played 10 games or less – [Andrea] Barzagli, Romulo and [Andrea] Pirlo, who unfortunately we have lost for the third time with this injury.
“Andrea is a player who is very important for us, not just technically in terms of shape, but especially on set pieces he’s fundamental.
“It’s come at a time though, when fortunately Pepe is doing well, he’s a player who can offer us solutions.
“He did well on Monday when he came on for half an hour. He doesn’t have 90 minutes in him, but to have him available to offer different attacking solutions during the game I think is very important.
“Matri is also finding his peak fitness.”