Allegri explains Juventus choices against Monza

Max Allegri explains why he made his choices as Juventus take on Monza and is glad to have Dusan Vlahovic and Paul Pogba back on the bench.

It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, you can follow all the action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.

The Bianconeri are in need of a boost, not just for the 15-point penalty in the Serie A standings, but also after the defence was leaking goals in a 5-1 defeat to Napoli and 3-3 draw with Atalanta.

“I expect a solid Juventus, with organisation. Monza are a good team, they have made life difficult for all the big clubs and are having a fine season. Everything is different from the Atalanta game, where the side reacted from the gut, but we want a win in front of our fans,” the coach told DAZN.

With Federico Chiesa and Juan Cuadrado injured, plus Weston McKennie leaving to undergo a Leeds United medical, Allegri picked Mattia De Sciglio on the right side of a five-man midfield.

“Mattia had a good test on Thursday, I preferred to start with him today, then we’ll see how it unfolds. With McKennie gone and Cuadrado out, this was my choice, then we’ll see.”

The good news for Juve fans is that both Vlahovic and Pogba are back on the bench after several months out, especially the France international who is yet to make a single competitive appearance since returning to Turin from Manchester United in the summer.

“We had been waiting for Vlahovic and Pogba, along with many other players who have been out for a while. We know they haven’t played in a long time and don’t have many minutes in their legs, but they are important to have as options off the bench.”