Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri does not believe the coming Derby d’Italia is a ‘decisive turning point’ in the title race with Inter but admitted it is ‘an important evening’ for both clubs.
The Bianconeri sit a point behind their rivals heading into Sunday evening’s derby at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, having missed the opportunity to take the top spot after drawing Empoli 1-1 last weekend. The Nerazzurri also have a game in hand, complicating matters.
When Inter and Juventus met in the first Derby d’Italia of the season back in November, they were forced to share a point apiece after Dusan Vlahovic’s opener was matched by Lautaro Martinez’s equaliser in the first half of proceedings at the Allianz Stadium.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Allegri first discussed his planned Juventus squad for the derby.
“We’ll all go, we’ve recovered Chiesa and Rabiot, then we have the two new players. Djalò is further behind, Alcaraz will have his first training session today, but we’ll all go to Milan.”
He was asked if he wanted to see anything in particular in the match with Inter.
“Tomorrow will be a wonderful match, we know Inter’s strengths, we’re very good. It’s a clash, we still have to score many points for our goal, which is the Champions League.”
The Juventus coach gave his thoughts on new signing Carlos Alcaraz.
“He is a young player, eager to do well. He wants to learn, I’m happy but it’s all to be discovered because he comes from a different league.”
Allegri was asked if he’d be starting Federico Chiesa.
“Today I will decide. It is important to have everyone available, we are in the second half of the season. In addition to tomorrow’s match, there are still many matches to go, we have two semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. Tomorrow will be a good transition.
“Who can say that the match isn’t good and important… Above all, a beautiful evening to be experienced and played with the best weapons, knowing that you have a team in front of you that are doing important things.”
He provided an update on Moise Kean.
“I spoke to Moise, unfortunately the transfer fell through, and I told him that he has to get back to work and will certainly be useful to us in the second half of the season.”
The Juventus coach touched on what needs to be put in the clash.
“The desire and belief to get a result, in the end we’ll see who was better. Important evening and important test for us.”
He spoke about the state of his squad and young forward Kenan Yildiz.
“Competition is good for everyone, especially when you play one game a week. The whole team benefits from this and in fact those who come off the bench are always ready.
“Tomorrow is a good game to play, but the points we score will be decisive from now until the end of the season. I’ve seen Yildiz better.”
Allegri was asked if the Derby d’Italia would be a turning point in the title race.
“It’s not a decisive turning point, with three points you can recover and lose them in a few games. We have to get the points to get to the Champions League, which is our goal of the season.
“When these games happen, the good thing is that everyone talks, tomorrow the guys have to go on the pitch, have fun and do their best.”
He touched on if he wants Chiesa to force attacking moves more.
“He always tries to do his best. It’s normal that given the way he plays, the injury he’s had can cause him some discomfort. The more time that passes, the better he’ll be.”
The Bianconeri coach spoke about the transfer rumours circulating Adrien Rabiot and Andrea Cambiaso.
“Rabiot is a tough player in the dressing room and on the pitch. The only thing I can say about Cambiaso is that they are only pleasing because for the club he’s an important asset for the future of Juventus.”
He was asked if it was more important to win or not lose in the derby, and which Inter player he’s a fan of.
“Thuram is surprising me. We’re going to get a positive result, then we’ll see at the end of the match.”
He discussed which team has more to lose.
“When we play, we’re at 0-0 and we always have something to lose. When they say you have nothing to lose, it makes me upset, when you play you always have something to lose.”
Allegri spoke about the synergy between himself and his squad.
“Our strength is working on our limits, and this does not mean being more or less strong than the others.
“This is a cohesive group, there are less than 20 games left to qualify for the Champions League, so we’ll take it one step at a time. The things that have been done remain, things to do must be written.”
The Italian coach commented on if Inter were afraid of Juventus.
“We have great respect for Inter because they are the strongest team in the league and favourites for the Scudetto. We must not be distracted by outside chatter. We must play the matches, perform at our best and try to get results.”
He didn’t believe the title race would be over if the Bianconeri lost.
“There are still many games to go, football is full of unexpected events. You have to have balance, the most difficult thing is managing the moments of difficulty that occur throughout the season.”
He wasn’t placing sole focus on the Nerazzurri’s frontline.
“No, today we will have our last training session and tomorrow we will decide how to behave on the pitch. One thing to do is run a lot.”
Finally, Allegri was asked if he expects the derby to be similar to their first meeting this season.
“The first leg was a very balanced match with a lot of respect, tomorrow I think it will be a very different match.”