Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri revealed Paulo Dybala is ‘far behind’ Alvaro Morata, revealed he will ‘assess’ the South Americans today and stressed the Bianconeri ‘must score points’ against Roma.
The Bianconeri prepare to host Roma at the Allianz Stadium tomorrow, but the coach admitted he doesn’t have a ‘clear idea’ about the squad ahead of the big game.
The international break has interrupted the continuity shown at the Old Lady and the South Americans returning from the World Cup Qualifiers with their respective nations are in doubt.
“Clear ideas are big words,” Allegri said at a press conference. “Today, for the first time, I see the whole team together.
“The Europeans returned between Wednesday and Thursday, while the South Americans arrived yesterday. Let’s see what we’ll do. I’ll decide in the morning.
“Juventus vs. Roma is always a great match where there has often been controversy. There’s [Jose] Mourinho, who has given them character. They are ahead of us, and we must score points to not fall behind the best in the championship.
“We need to prepare well and turn the switch back on immediately after the break.”
Allegri said he didn’t have to ‘clarify’ anything with Aaron Ramsey but hasn’t decided if the Welsh midfielder will start against the Giallorossi.
“There was nothing to clarify,” Allegri added. “I leaned a lot on Ramsey at the beginning. Then he got injured, but he has played two games with the national team at least.
“Tomorrow, I don’t know if he will start, but he’s a player I rely on.”
Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata trained separately yesterday and Allegri was asked about the duo’s conditions.
“Morata will train with the team today, but it depends on the risks we can take with his availability,” Allegri added. “If not, we risk nullifying the work done by the doctors.
“Dybala, absolutely not. He’s far behind Morata. During the week I was reading that Dybala can play against Roma… Maybe the return leg.
“I think he will be available within a week, no more than 10 days.”
Roma coach Jose Mourinho returns to the Allianz Stadium tomorrow and Allegri was asked about his relationship with the Portuguese tactician.
“Mourinho is a coach who has won a lot and I respect him a lot,” Allegri added. “It’s in his character to, every now and then, do like he did with Manchester a few years ago.
“Moreover, that gesture of the ears with Manchester United he did it at the end of Juventus’ most beautiful games. In the end, nobody remembers it because we lost.
“It pleases me to have a coach of his value back in Italy.”
With Dybala and Morata in doubt, Moise Kean could get a chance in attack, while Allegri said Kaio Jorge can’t play 90 minutes yet.
“Kean is fine, like everyone else,” Allegri added. “I haven’t decided anything yet. Without Morata, the choice would fall on him or on [Federico] Chiesa.
“Or on Kaio Jorge, who doesn’t have 90 minutes in him, but who is a very smart guy.”
Federico Bernardeschi seems set to play an important role against the Giallorossi, but Allegri has not decided where to play the Italy international.
“I will decide tomorrow morning, today I will understand how they all are,” Allegri continued. “I will decide in the last training session tomorrow morning.
“I’m happy with Bernardeschi because he’s doing well, but he must not be satisfied. He must find that continuity of performance that depends only on the mental aspect.
“What has been done remains, what is ahead must be done. Tomorrow, we have a good match that would allow us to make another leap in the table.”
Adrien Rabiot is ruled out with coronavirus and Allegri was asked if he was surprised by the news.
“Expressing a judgment on COVID absences is impossible,” he said. “I’m sorry he’s not available tomorrow because he was growing.
“It means he will rest and play the next ones.”
Allegri was asked if he’s forced to make any rotations in defence but gave a positive update regarding the defenders.
“[Matthijs] de Ligt rested with the Netherlands, and he should play,” Allegri said. “[Leonardo] Bonucci, [Giorgio] Chiellini and [Daniele] Rugani are fine.”
Rumours have suggested Juventus are ready to sacrifice Weston McKennie in the upcoming transfer market, but Allegri stressed the USA has an important role at the Bianconeri.
“He’s not playing in the middle ahead of the defence, he’s a player with goals in his legs,” Allegri said. “Against Torino he did very well.
“I have great confidence in him, otherwise he wouldn’t play. Tomorrow, I don’t know if he will start or enter during the game.”
Other coaches have complained about the tight fixture list and the busy schedule forced on the Italian teams, as the Spanish league decided to postpone games after the international break.
“These are things that I don’t decide,” Allegri said. “I’m always of the idea that they tell us where to play and then we go there.
“There’s a body of competence that decides, but they must be faced with a more relaxed atmosphere. Also, because this is an emergency that has changed the international calendars.”
After revealing Dybala is still 10 days away from returning, Allegri was asked if there was any problems with his recovery.
“Problem, no,” he said. “He’s on schedule. It was thought that he would have needed a few days less, but these things happen.
“With muscle injuries you think one thing and believe you can do less. It always depends on the evolution of the situation.”
Don’t know exactly why but I cannot stand Allegri’s coaching philosophy
Lord Allegri will surely outfox Mourinho. He will play Bernadeschi upront as a number 9 and play De Ligt as left wing back to bamboozle Roma.