Alessio: ‘Dismissal changed derby’

Angelo Alessio concedes the red card “changed the game” and is glad the Derby della Mole was his last Serie A match before Antonio Conte’s return.

Angelo Alessio concedes the red card “changed the game” and is glad the Derby della Mole was his last Serie A match before Antonio Conte’s return.

The Juventus assistant manager will have one more evening on the touchline in the Champions League on Wednesday evening against Shakhtar Donetsk, but next weekend Conte’s ban in the betting scandal will have expired.

“Conte will certainly be on the bench next time in Serie A. It’s the right moment for him to return,” smiled Alessio.

The Bianconeri ran out 3-0 winners tonight, but only after Kamil Glik’s straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Emanuele Giaccherini’s ankle.

“The red card changed the game, but it was also an inevitable decision from the referee.”

Giorgio Chiellini pulled out with a calf problem, prompting Juve to adopt a different 4-3-3 system.

“We have a basic system, which is the 3-5-2, but Chiellini did not feel ready to come back and asked for more time to fully recover so he can be fit for Wednesday. We did well with the four-man defence too.

“Paul Pogba made a few mistakes, but he is growing and showed some great things tonight. We need a great performance in the Champions League and must go for the victory.”