Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed Paulo Dybala will not travel to Barcelona for tomorrow’s match.
The Argentine returned to training after a muscle problem and Dybala is expected to renew with the club, as his representatives are negotiating with the Bianconeri.
But he will not travel for the 55th edition of the Gamper trophy in Barcelona, in honour of Hans Gamper, the founder and President of Barcelona.
“Dybala will not be there, I prefer to give him another two days of training because he has recently joined and bringing him would be a risk,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“I spoke to Paulo and we have decided that the ideal for him is to stay in Turin. All the others will be there.
“I expect them to play as a team.”
The match against Barcelona will help Allegri get answers from many of the players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who travels for the Gamper trophy in Catalonia.
Dybala contract extension: imminent meeting with Juventus, possible release clause
“The team trained well, with enthusiasm and desire,” he added. “It will be a match between two great clubs, we will have to face it with great seriousness like every match.
“It will serve to see the condition of some players. Barcelona vs. Juventus is always a special game the level of attention. I expect them to play as a team.
“The roles are well defined and outlined. I’m curious to see two players if they can be employed in some roles in midfield.”
Allegri then praised the youngsters available at the Old Lady, including the youth team.
“There are many interesting youngsters, from [Dejan] Kulusevski to [Matthijs] de Ligt, up to De Winter and Ranocchia.
“The youth sector has worked very well. The youngsters have room for improvement, it depends on them and on the ambition they have to improve and reach certain results.”
Allegri said the Bianconeri now target to win back the Scudetto, after finishing fourth under Andrea Pirlo last term.
“I found the team with a desire of revenge and to go back to winning the Scudetto,” he admitted. “It’s an excellent squad that won two trophies last season and reached the round of 16 in the Champions League.
“We need to continue the work carried out by Pirlo to try to improve. We need a spirit of sacrifice and the desire to question ourselves every day to reach the goals at the end of the season.”
The match against Barcelona kicks off at 20.30 on Sunday night.