Max Allegri explains he ‘surprised’ Paul Pogba with his first start of the season against Cremonese and wants to keep Juventus focused ahead of the Europa League with Sevilla.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
The Bianconeri rotate the squad ahead of the Europa League decider in Sevilla, just days after the 1-1 first leg draw in that semi-final.
However, while Pogba gets his first start of the season – and first in general for over a year – there is no rest for Adrien Rabiot, Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic.
“I always considered the next game to be the most important. If we don’t get a good result tonight, we don’t prepare well against Sevilla,” Allegri told DAZN.
“Our aim is also to consolidate second place and improve our position in the table, which won’t be easy against a well-organised Cremonese.”
It has been a difficult campaign for Juventus, especially with the off the field issues like the 15-point penalty that was imposed, removed and another likely to be handed down on May 22.
“The team has done well so far. We had some moments that certainly weren’t easy, with a lot of unexpected events. Hopefully those have all finished now.”
Allegri reveals he sprung the surprise on Pogba, who was not expecting to get his first start in all competition since April 2022 for Manchester United against Liverpool.
“Pogba didn’t think he was going to play today and I surprised him with this. He doesn’t have 90 minutes, but I would be very happy if he managed a full half in good shape.”
It wasn’t the only shock, as Vlahovic is also in the starting XI just days before the Europa League semi-final.
“Vlahovic needs to play consistently, he was rested against Atalanta, while Kean and Milik are also ready to come off the bench.”
The outcome was not a surprise, Pogba didn`t last the half of the first half.