Massimiliano Allegri says tomorrow’s Juventus vs. Milan ‘is more important for the Rossoneri’ and confirms Federico Chiesa is still in doubt.
The Bianconeri have only collected one point from the opening three Serie A games. Tomorrow, they face table leaders Milan who have won each of their opening three league matches.
“It’s one of the most important games of the season, perhaps the most important one. Milan have improved over the last two seasons, they’ve been playing together for almost three years,” Allegri said at a press conference.
“We are growing, we have good expectations, but it will be more important for them than for us.
“Milan played a great game in Liverpool, it wasn’t easy. It proves they have personality, it will be a great game tomorrow.
“I have one doubt in defence, one in midfield and one in attack. I will decide after tomorrow’s training session.”
Federico Chiesa missed the last two games against Napoli and Malmo in the Champions League due to muscular problems. On the other hand, Milan will be without both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud.
“I was lucky enough to coach Ibra, he is still a crucial player. The game is important because it’s a Juventus-Milan,” Allegri said.
“Chiesa is one of the doubts I have.
“Right-winger is his natural role, if he plays as a striker, he needs a centre forward close to him. If he plays on the left, he can cut inside.
“He still needs to improve his reading of the game, he has important qualities, but he needs to improve in other areas,” the Tuscan continued.
Football Italia understands Chiesa will be available, but it is still unsure whether or not he will start.
“I’ve found a different Juventus. We can’t compare this Juventus with the team of the past,” he added.
“This team has its own identity. We must become a team, improving under many aspects, but it’s just a different Juventus.
“Five games are remaining before the break, everybody must feel important, whether they start or come off the bench.”
On Tuesday, the Bianconeri won their first game this season against Malmoe in the Champions League. However, they lost two of their opening three Serie A games, picking up a draw against Udinese.
“We could have had more points, but this was not the case,” Allegri admitted.
“We need to improve all together, I need to understand who can make an impact coming off the bench during the game, but the more we go ahead, the easier it is to understand my players.
“After the break, in November, we’ll make our assessments but I think we’ll be in a different position at that point.
“This is a very balanced league, without a top team that can win easily. It’s easy to lose points, but it can be easy to recover as well.
“For sure, we’ll play a great game tomorrow, then we can’t know the result already. The devil invented football and games can change very quickly. We need to be balanced, work hard have the desire and the ambition to improve.
“Juventus must play to win the title, not just single games. To do it, you must have consistency, work hard and be focused all the time.”
Matthijs de Ligt started against Malmoe earlier this week, but could be rested against Milan tomorrow.
His agent Mino Raiola has revealed that the Dutch defender could leave Juventus in the summer, but Allegri believes the former Ajax man will remain in Turin for a long time.
Raiola reveals Ibrahimovic’s future, admits De Ligt could leave Juventus
“De Ligt is 22-year-old. He is an excellent player. He joined Juventus from Ajax when he was only 20. After he arrived here, somebody wrote: ‘He is a future Ballon d’Or winner.’
“Guys, calm is needed. He is 20, but the Juventus jersey is a heavy one. Chiellini was probably not as good as De Ligt at his age, but at 27-28 he became a great player. It takes time.
“There is a standard path for everybody, players and coaches. De Ligt is a young player with quality, but he still needs to improve and will stay many years at Juventus, regardless of how many games he plays.
“A great surprise this season is Daniele Rugani, he has a different approach, he is a reliable player. This doesn’t mean he will play tomorrow, but I rely on him.”