Max Allegri explains what Juventus should’ve done to avoid conceding the Inter equaliser and agrees the main focus was to ‘avoid defeat’ in this Derby d’Italia.
The Bianconeri had taken first blood at the Allianz Stadium in Turin with Dusan Vlahovic on a Federico Chiesa assist, but it was almost immediately cancelled out by Capocannoniere Lautaro Martinez.
This sees their run of five consecutive Serie A home wins come to a halt and the gap at the top of the table remains only two points, though it allows Milan and Napoli to close up on the leading pair.
“We conceded a very naïve goal, especially as it was only a few minutes after our opener. Inter have already shown that when they have spaces to run into, it makes it easier for them,” Allegri told DAZN.
“We knew that they tended to pull back low from the by-line and had worked on that, but we conceded it anyway. Perhaps we should’ve fouled them earlier before they got into that position.”
The Inter goal was fairly route one with a move started by Yann Sommer, sending Denzel Dumfries and then Marcus Thuram down the right.
“They did well moving it quickly. What we should’ve done was Rugani or Bremer getting closer to Thuram, especially Bremer fouling Thuram so he couldn’t make that pass. This is one of Inter’s strengths and we had practiced all week knowing this was something they did.”
Chiesa, McKennie and Vlahovic were working together to press the Inter players and prevent them getting smooth moves out from the back.
“Fortune favours the brave, so we had to be solid, aggressive and we are finding a better sense of balance than in the early games of the season. We must continue to improve and a solid defence is very important.”
Vlahovic ended his goal drought and had a slightly controversial celebration, pointing to his name and then urging critics to stay quiet.
“Dusan had I think his best performance since coming to Juventus. Physically he beat De Vrij, while with Chiesa playing wider he also had more spaces to work in. He hasn’t scored for a while, but he always worked hard and let’s also not forget he is only 23 years old.”
Allegri and director Cristiano Giuntoli continue to maintain the target is only a Champions League spot, while their players including Adrien Rabiot this evening insist they can challenge for the Scudetto.
“It was a good performance from the team and it was not easy. I think it has been three years since Juventus played for the top of the table. It was a good four and a half years since I did it too, so I am not accustomed to it either,” added Allegri.
“Our objective is to finish in the top four. We maintained our advantage over fifth place, we took the right approach against a team that was waiting for our mistake, so that was a show of maturity. Unfortunately, we conceded an avoidable goal, but against top teams that can happen.”
The coach was asked if there are any reinforcements in January that could bump the Bianconeri up into title contender status, for example replacing suspended midfielders Paul Pogba and Nicolò Fagioli?
“The transfer window doesn’t exist for me in January, because I am very happy with the team that I have at my disposal. Our objective is to take it one step at a time and being only two points off Inter is already something positive.
“The main thing today was to avoid defeat, as it gives us an extra boost in this growth process.”