Max Allegri has a decimated squad against Bologna, but still confirmed he’s dropping Paulo Dybala again. “I’m a Coach, not a guard dog.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Bianconeri make the trip without injured Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Benedikt Howedes.
Max Allegri has a decimated squad against Bologna, but still confirmed he’s dropping Paulo Dybala again. “I’m a Coach, not a guard dog.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Bianconeri make the trip without injured Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Benedikt Howedes.
“Everyone worked well in training and now we need to win tomorrow in Bologna,” said Allegri in his Press conference.
“It’s unlikely that Dybala will start. He is available, I have to decide whether to play with two or three midfielders, but then everyone is up for debate. Perhaps he made everyone too accustomed to the good life.”
Juventus director Pavel Nedved advised Dybala to separate his personal life from the professional amid reports of a split with his girlfriend and legal action with sponsors.
“This is just advice from someone who has great experience, it wasn’t criticism. Everyone has to deal with a private life and a career, that’s what being a professional is all about. I am a Coach, not a guard dog. I told him to work hard and concentrate, as that is the best medicine.
“Paulo is an extraordinary lad, he’s almost 24 years old and can still improve a great deal. He is not in the best physical shape and hasn’t scored a goal for a while, but everyone goes through periods like that, including Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain.
“He put in a great assist for Higuain against Napoli, let’s not forget that. You all seem frightened by a goal drought, but it has happened to everyone.
“Miralem Pjanic could well start, as he trained well. Cuadrado will be back against Roma, Chiellini can resume training during the week. Buffon has this issue that needs to be evaluated and is preventing him from playing.
“Alex Sandro is fine and he will play tomorrow. He had two extraordinary years, between highs and lows, but is finding himself again. Either Andrea Barzagli or Daniele Rugani will play tomorrow in defence.”
Bologna stalled Serie A leaders Inter at the Stadio Dall’Ara this season, one of the few teams to take points off the Nerazzurri.
“These are usually hard-fought and difficult matches. Bologna are well-organised, they run hard and have good technique. We need a solid performance.”