Max Allegri admits he has ‘two doubts, including Federico Chiesa’ for the Juventus line-up against Sporting CP in the Europa League quarter-final and can only wait for the verdict of their 15-point Serie A appeal.
The first leg ended 1-0 for the Bianconeri and the decider is at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
Meanwhile, it was an eventful day off the field for the Turin giants, as their appeal against the 15-point Serie A penalty was heard at the Collegio di Giustizia.
After a three-hour hearing, the court has gone home and therefore a decision will not be announced until at least Thursday.
“We await the sentence, we knew today was an important day both for the verdict and above all to prepare for tomorrow’s game and hope to reach the Europa League semi-final,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“Once we do get the verdict, we’ll set it aside and focus on the match. It is an important objective and not a simple one, because Sporting eliminated Arsenal and already showed against us how good they are.”
The coach was asked about his personnel choices for Lisbon, especially in the wake of Szczesny leaving the field in the first leg with breathing difficulties.
“Szczesny is fine, so is Rabiot who had a full training session. I have one doubt in midfield and one upfront, one of those doubts is Chiesa and I’ll decide tomorrow.”
It was suggested that Juve have three at the back, but move Danilo into a wider role to cover when Chiesa does surge forward.
“It’s not just about the tactical shape, it is about everyone being ready to work hard, help out and not allow Sporting those through balls. We must press them from the start to stop those moves developing.”
Sporting coach Ruben Amorim is confident Juventus will be even more likely to sit back and counter-attack with a 1-0 lead, having had less possession than the visitors in Turin.
“No, I think we need to play better technically, to move the ball around better, remember it is a long game and Sporting are well-organised with talented players.”