Max Allegri explains his choices for tonight’s game with Hellas Verona and reiterates Juventus ‘are the team who amassed the second most points this season, 56, but we need to focus on the present.’
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
This is going to be a very busy April for the Bianconeri, who will play nine games this month including the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter and Europa League quarter-final with Sporting CP.
“We will play with respect for Verona, because games have to be won on the field. These fixtures are always difficult straight after the break for international duty, we need to plug right back in and be ready to go,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
Arkadiusz Milik has not featured since sustaining a thigh injury at the end of January, but he is thrown straight into the starting XI, as Angel Di Maria and Dusan Vlahovic are rested.
“I don’t know how many minutes he has, but he had some training sessions and those who were on international duty have a chance to rest. Don’t forget we also have five substitutions.”
It was announced today that Enzo Barrenechea is now a permanent member of the first team, promoted from the NextGen side that plays its football in Serie C.
“He is reliable, has put in some good performances when called into action. Obviously he has to improve and that will come by playing regularly with the main team, I trust all those I put onto the pitch,” continued Allegri.
Juventus will receive the verdict of their appeal against the 15-point Serie A penalty on April 19, but meanwhile Allegri continues to insist they would be in second place behind leaders Napoli.
“There are many difficult moments, the important thing is to play with character, technique and get the fans on side with our performances. I have a solid club behind me taking care of the external matters and that is important.
“We are the team who amassed the second most points this season, 56, but what we’ve done so far doesn’t count and we need to focus on the present.”