Max Allegri tells Juventus to learn from Barcelona as they host Palermo. “A week ago they were Liga and Champions League favourites…”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We mustn’t have any Champions League regrets. In the group stage there is time to recover, but in two-legged ties an incident can go against you and that’s it,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Max Allegri tells Juventus to learn from Barcelona as they host Palermo. “A week ago they were Liga and Champions League favourites…”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We mustn’t have any Champions League regrets. In the group stage there is time to recover, but in two-legged ties an incident can go against you and that’s it,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Holders Barcelona crashed out following a defeat to Atletico Madrid.
“Nobody has retained it since Milan and then it was the European Cup. Our objective has to be having a great Champions League campaign.”
Paulo Dybala has returned to full training after a muscular injury, but will he be risked from the start?
“I have to evaluate Dybala’s condition carefully. We have Simone Zaza suspended, so we need to decide what is the best option. If he’s not fit to start, we’ll see about using him towards the end.
“This match might seem unbalanced on paper, but every game has to be played and we begin from 0-0 tomorrow. Napoli can still catch us, so we have to focus on our own results and staying top of the table.
“Palermo have been in a training retreat for several days, they have a new Coach and are desperate for points to stay in Serie A.
“It’ll be hot in the afternoon, so we must be concentrated and behave responsibly. Any error could be extremely costly. I look to the example of Barcelona – a week ago people assumed they had won the Liga and were Champions League favourites. Fast forward seven days and their lead in the Liga has been cut to four points and they are out of Europe.
“Until it is mathematically decided, we cannot assume anything is done and dusted. We’ve won 21 of the last 22 games, but that counts for nothing unless we get the Scudetto.
“I don’t think Palermo will clam up. I believe as long as they can, they’ll try to put pressure on us, as they don’t have real counter-attacking characteristics.
“Some games might seem easy on paper, but we absolutely cannot afford to drop points by the wayside.”
The Bianconeri have Sami Khedira back from suspension to partner Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio.
“Juventus have a strong squad made up of some talented little old men, plus a promising future represented by the likes of Dybala, Pogba, Alex Sandro, Sturaro, Morata, Rugani and Lemina. They can grow and prove themselves in Italy and above all in Europe.
“At this moment many players deserve to start, such as Simone Padoin, Stefano Sturaro and Mario Lemina. That strength in depth is important to cover for absences and reach an extraordinary objective.
“It would be irresponsible to make a mistake or look beyond tomorrow’s game, because that would mean failing to realise the importance of this moment.”
Alvaro Morata was included in Allegri’s list of youth for the future of Juventus, so does that mean he expects the Spaniard to still be there, despite Real Madrid having a buy-back clause?
“Considering what the lads are doing, I’d gladly keep them all for next season. There are choices made by the club and other clubs, but the important thing is that Juventus have a strong squad.”
A French reporter from L’Equipe asked if the pressure around Pogba was exaggerated for one so young.
“I don’t think expectations around him are exaggerated, as he has immense talent and potential. He is improving and is reaching a level of maturity that allows him to play whole games as a ‘great’ player, one who is experienced and can read each moment of the game.
“If he improves further in that sense, he can reach the top.”
Allegri was asked about the decision to reduce Napoli hitman Gonzalo Higuain’s four-match ban to three, but shrugged off the question.
“I told the lads too, we mustn’t look at what happens on the outside. We are six steps off the objective and destiny is in our own hands. Until we are mathematically sure of the Scudetto, we must remain concentrated, plus of course after that there’s the Coppa Italia Final too.”
Juventus confirmed Allegri will sign a new contract imminently, but when will the signature be placed on the paper?
“We’ve got three games over the next eight days, so there are more important things to focus on. Once again I say there won’t be any problems, we just need to sit down to plan the future, both sporting and economic.”