Massimiliano Allegri hopes to see his Roma counterpart Jose Mourinho and highlighted the difficulties in Juventus’ fight for a Champions League finish.
The Bianconeri have looked focused on the pitch following their 15-point deduction back in January and have quickly climbed up to seventh in the league table. The Old Lady sit 12 points behind Inter and Milan, and may not have enough time to climb back to the top four spots with 14 games left to play.
Juventus have won their last four consecutive league outings and have booked their spot in the Round of 16 of the Europa League, giving them confidence in the final few months of this season.
Speaking in a press conference, Allegri first discussed his expectations of Roma ahead of the match with Juventus.
“They’re having a great season, they’re fighting for a place in the Champions League. They’ve only conceded five goals at home, they come from four home wins without conceding a goal.
“It will be a good game, in a full stadium. We’ll also have a nice spring day, we must be good to play a good match.”
He touched on the work of the recently recovered Paul Pogba.
“He reacted well, he trained yesterday and he’s fine. The other day I was happy with the way he came on, he did good things.
“For the moment though, he’s just a good option on the bench. Milik will be back after the break, Kaio Jorge isn’t available yet, Miretti will be back.”
The Bianconeri coach commented on Lazio’s win over Napoli and how that affects his team.
“For us tomorrow night’s game is important, we’re going to play a direct clash with Roma. We need to break away from those who are behind us, start to break away from Bologna and it’s not easy.
“In front we are far away for now, let’s see how the season develops. The important thing is to go to Rome and play a good game.”
He was asked what kind of Juventus attack he has in mind.
“You have to be patient and calm in putting in players who haven’t played for a long time. We have Freiburg, the changes from the bench are important. I’m happy to have them all available, choices will be made.”
Allegri spoke about the comparisons made between himself and Mourinho.
“If I have similarities with him, I’m very happy, he’s won 26 trophies in his career. At Roma he is doing a great job.
“I would be sorry if he wasn’t there tomorrow, in my opinion once the coach is thrown out of the game, you can give him a fine rather than not seeing him on the bench next time.”
He was asked if he’d like Juventus to retain Angel Di Maria.
“Great players are always nice to have. Angel is extraordinary, but the club takes care of that. Right now, there are other priorities, even though Danilo’s contract has been renewed.”
The Bianconeri coach also commented on if Di Maria would start against the Giallorossi.
“I think he has played four games, he has always played the last ones. In La Spezia he came on 35 minutes, it’s important that when he plays, regardless of the minutes, he makes an impact as he did in these games.”
He spoke about Paulo Dybala’s work at Roma.
“Paulo is a player who has shown in numbers that he is important. He is for Roma, he has been for Juve. He has to be watched because near the area he’s dangerous.”
Allegri was asked if Juventus made him into a coach who trusted young players.
“I had to rejuvenate myself because my grandson was born.”
He spoke about the team’s chances in the race for a Champions League finish.
“The Champions League race is impossible. At the moment, the team have 50 points, on the pitch we’re doing it. Of those in front, one of Inter, Milan, Lazio and Roma will be left out.
“There’s also Atalanta who can get back in, there are 42 points at stake and everything is still to play for. We have to take one step at a time, we cannot look at them because they are far away.”
Finally, Allegri highlighted how much it would mean for the team to qualify for the Champions League this season.
“Qualifying for the Champions League with a 15-point deduction is like winning three Scudetti, not one.”