Max Allegri was critical of Juventus defending again in a 3-0 win over Cagliari and underlined the importance of Mario Mandzukic.
The Croatian, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain secured a 3-0 victory, while Gigi Buffon parried the first penalty to be awarded in Serie A using VAR.
“We needed a strong performance after the Super Cup, although we weren’t consistent throughout the 90 minutes.
Max Allegri was critical of Juventus defending again in a 3-0 win over Cagliari and underlined the importance of Mario Mandzukic.
The Croatian, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain secured a 3-0 victory, while Gigi Buffon parried the first penalty to be awarded in Serie A using VAR.
“We needed a strong performance after the Super Cup, although we weren’t consistent throughout the 90 minutes.
“Today the lads defended well after the penalty, because we did not defend properly before then and allowed Cagliari a few chances,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
It was only 1-0 when Alex Sandro tripped Duje Cop and it was spotted by the Video Assistant Referee, but Buffon saved the Diego Farias spot-kick.
“I waited for the referee to make a decision, he gave the penalty, but fortunately Buffon is always a Number 1 and he got us out of a difficult situation.
“Against Lazio, the second Ciro Immobile goal was similar, we gave them about 10 minutes to choose a cross. If you cross under pressure, it becomes more difficult to find your target.
“The lads interpreted the match well overall and I am happy.”
Undoubtedly, Juventus must undergo tactical changes with Leonardo Bonucci’s transfer to Milan.
“These lads are talented, they play for Juventus. They might not have Leo’s 40-metre pass, but they have skills and can also play out from the back. We need to improve in the movements of the midfielders and forwards, so it will all eventually fall into place.”
Blaise Matuidi made his debut this evening in the second half, moving to a 4-3-3 formation.
“We can play with two in midfield, with three, with three and a half. The substitutions made a big impact tonight, as when you introduce Sami Khedira and Matuidi, obviously it’s going to make a difference.
“Mandzukic gives us physicality both defending and attacking. When we’re under pressure, we rely on him to a degree. He’s an important player and makes me angry every now and then when he has a bad night, like in some friendlies and against Lazio.”