Massimiliano Allegri underlined the difficulties facing Juventus in their away clash with Fiorentina, feeling his side need ‘to play a game of respect’ in Florence.
Without European commitments this season, the Bianconeri have been able to place their full focus on the league, allowing them to climb to second place in the table after 10 matches. The team sit two points behind league leaders Inter.
Fiorentina have also been in strong form this season and sit just a few points adrift of the European spots, setting up a difficult and key match for Juventus, one that always produces tension and emotions.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Allegri first sent his condolences to the victims of the recent storm and flooding in Tuscany.
“I just wanted to express my closeness to the families of the victims of the flood in Tuscany and the closeness to the people who have suffered damage and inconvenience. I think it’s much more important than the match.”
He touched on the importance of the match against Fiorentina.
“It’s always a good match due to the teasing between the two teams, especially the two fanbases. Playing in Florence is always exciting, we will find a strong team even if they come from two defeats.
“A proactive team, to come out with a positive result you have to play a good game from all points of view.”
The Juventus coach was asked if Weston McKennie would be move to the right of the midfield after Timothy Weah’s injury.
“I will most likely move McKennie to the right, otherwise we will play in a different way but the team has some certainties and we need to move forward on those.”
He spoke about the recent form of Moise Kean.
“Kean is in a good moment, he has grown technically, physically and mentally. He still has to grow, I am very happy that he has also returned to the national team and therefore has achieved another objective.
“The players in front of me are all well, they know that they are everyone is committed regardless of who starts from the start and who comes in from the bench. If we do good things up front, the team benefits. I will decide who plays after the last training session today.”
Allegri discussed the idea of starting Andrea Cambiaso.
“Now that Weah is missing, Cambiaso could also play on the right. On the left, Cambiaso, Kostic and Iling are all in good condition. Maybe there will be a need for one of Cambiaso and Iling to even be a midfielder.”
He commented on the strengths of Fiorentina.
“They’re one of the best equipped teams in the league because they have a good squad with technical and physical players. I believe they are a rival in the fight for the top four places, this year they have set up a really excellent team.
“They have Nico Gonzalez who is an important player, the two centre-forwards attack the depth well and have physicality.
“They have Kouamé on the left, Bonaventura who is doing extraordinary things, Arthur, who I had no doubt about, has recovered well from the injury and is doing very well. We know that It will be a very difficult match against a technically very good team.”
The Juventus coach provided an update on star forward Federico Chiesa.
“He’s better, he trained little for 20 days during the national team period. He’s better now, when he came on against Verona, he created important chances.”
He spoke about the work of Matias Soule, who is currently impressing whilst on loan with Frosinone.
“I had no doubt that he would do well in Frosinone, he had already done well here last year. He needed to play, keeping him here for another year playing few games would have been detrimental for the club and for the boy. Next year we’ll see.”
Allegri was asked if he had any advice for former Fiorentina duo Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic.
“I don’t have to give them any, the important thing is that they make themselves available to the team and perform well. We have to work on our limits, be very compact. We are on the right path but what we have done so far is not enough.”
He was also asked if the pair knew their importance to Juventus.
“They know that they are important, not just for this match but for Juventus, like all the other players. We must play as a team, everyone must put their personal objectives at the service of the team. We must have a very low profile, talk little and run a lot.”
He commented on the kind of game the Bianconeri need to play in Florence.
“We need to play a game of great respect. Fiorentina are coming off two defeats and then play Juventus at home.
“To have a good defence in the match we need everyone to lend a hand, starting from the forward who have to run otherwise we’ll sit deeper.
“If you have a good defence, you have a good attack and if you have a good attack, you have a good defence.”
Allegri provided an update on the injured players in the squad.
“I believe that De Sciglio will be able to start training with the team in a month. It is more likely that Alex Sandro will return before Danilo.
“Danilo is not fit yet, given that it is a very deep injury, even if small, it can cause a lot of damage if he doesn’t recover in the right time.
“Speaking with Danilo and the doctors, I believe he will delay, he will return after the break. We hope to have him against Inter.”
He was asked about any hints regarding the possible postponement of the match.
“I don’t know, there are competent bodies that will decide. We will train today and then leave for Florence.”
The Juventus coach spoke about the growth of his team.
“We’re a Juve that have alternated good games with less good ones, also depending on the opponent. We work every day to grow and build a solid and strong team.
“We have to improve the scoring percentage, on this we need to improve in finishing and team effectiveness. Our strength must be that of being united between now and the end of the season.”
Finally, Allegri discussed where Fabio Miretti needs to improve.
“Fabio has to score goals. He shoots often, favourable situations happen to him. But this has happened to many young players who, when they get unstuck, manage to score goals.
“Fabio is a player who moves, who receives the ball among his ideas. He is a young player and will certainly become a very reliable player.”