Massimiliano Allegri expects a difficult match against Jose Mourinho’s Roma tomorrow evening.
The Bianconeri are looking to bounce back after their frustrating 1-1 draw with Napoli on Thursday and so will be aiming to pick up all three points at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow, against a Roma side who lost 3-1 to Milan two days ago.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference today, Allegri first looked ahead to tomorrow’s match against Roma.
“Tomorrow is always Juventus-Roma which is always a complicated game because they have very good individuality.
“We have to play a good game at a competitive and technical level and we have to prepare well.”
He had nothing to say about his suspension from the match.
“It happened and there’s nothing to comment on.”
The Juventus coach skirted around the question regarding Paulo Dybala’s chances of starting against the Giallorossi.
“I’ll evaluate the team today and there will be some changes because some have played a bit too much.
“We’ve come from a week of hard work and the other night we were a little less focused, but this work will be important later on.”
Allegri commented on any similarities between himself and his counterpart Jose Mourinho.
“I came here knowing that it was a year in which we had to work to get back to competing for the Scudetto in one to two years. Roma are three points behind us and Mourinho is doing a good job. You can’t change everyone in a few months because no one can work miracles.
“The team is improving and you need a bit of patience and I knew that. I’m not scared by this. It’s normal that everyone wants to win, but you have to build the team to fight for the Scudetto.”
He discussed the recent interview given by former Bianconeri player Sami Khedira, who noted the team’s lack of leadership in the midfield.
“I always say that you think about changing players but everyone has their characteristics. Juventus have changed a lot before, they had a lot of experienced players, now you have to work on these players who have other characteristics. That’s why there are cycles.”
Finally, Allegri confirmed that Juan Cuadrado will feature against Roma tomorrow.
“Cuadrado will play tomorrow. Pellegrini doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs.”
Juventus have a strong recent record against Roma, having picked up points in seven of their last nine league meetings.
🎙️ Parla Massimiliano #Allegri in vista di #RomaJuventus
🗣️ "Con la #Roma sarà difficile, deciderò oggi su #Dybala"
⬇️ Le dichiarazioni dell'allenatore della #Juventushttps://t.co/0RzBL1wtEo #ASRoma— SiamolaRoma.it (@siamo_la_Roma) January 8, 2022