Massimiliano Allegri called for calm after Juventus’ thrilling 6-1 win over Salernitana, noting that ‘anything can happen’ in football ahead of their coming Serie A clash.
The Bianconeri secured their spot in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals after thrashing the Salerno outfit in their Coppa Italia Round of 16 duel earlier this week. They’re gearing up for another match against Filippo Inzaghi’s side this weekend, which’ll be played at the Stadio Arechi on Sunday evening.
Juventus currently sit two points behind league leaders Inter after 18 matches and will be keen to keep up the pressure on Simone Inzaghi’s side as Serie A reaches the half-way point. Whilst Allegri has insisted that a top four finish is the goal, fans are dreaming of the Scudetto once again.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Allegri first discussed what pitfalls Juventus face in their trip to Salernitana.
“We’re there, playing in Salerno is never easy, in an environment that after the victory in Verona still has a lot of hope for survival. The Coppa Italia match was unique.”
He confirmed that Hans Nicolussi Caviglia will likely start in Salerno.
“Nicolussi Caviglia should play.”
The Juventus coach was asked if it was difficult not giving Federico Chiesa and Kenan Yildiz consistency.
“They have that, who plays from the start or who takes over is always important. There’s no need to just see who starts, tomorrow I’ll have to break up someone’s game. Cambiaso will be missing as he has a fever and is unlikely to be there.”
Allegri provided an update on injured striker Moise Kean.
“He hasn’t done anything in training yet, there’s still some time left for recovery. Having everyone available is a good thing, tomorrow we have to close the first half of the season in the best possible way.”
The Juventus coach was asked about the team’s ambitions in Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
“We need to keep working, now we’re good in mentality too. There’s no need to get excited about the match the other evening, the important thing is to never let our guard down.
“The match the other evening is over, tomorrow another important test. We have the possibility of reaching the semi-final of the Coppa Italia and we need to train well. Let’s play the way we train.”
He spoke about the decision to loan out Dean Huijsen to Roma and Yildiz’s role on the pitch.
“We’ll see about the best choice, in football the only thing that matters is the pitch. Yildiz is a second striker, a technical player with goals in his legs, he will hardly be able to play as a midfielder.”
He touched on how many points would be needed to win the Scudetto this term.
“These are all suppositions, we live by facts. Inter have 45 points and can reach 48, the projection is 96.
“We have to close the first half and maintain the advantage over fifth, getting to the Champions League is a question of numbers. We must not let our guard down because anything can happen in football.”
Allegri provided an update on his rotations.
“Bremer returns. Gatti is young, he has energy, Danilo has been out a lot and needs to play. Players like Danilo and Rabiot are used to playing every three days.”
He was asked if Timothy Weah could play a full match in Salerno.
“Weah played a good game upon his return, both as a starter and as a substitute. He can play 90 minutes but then we have changes on the bench, the team are physically well.”
The Bianconeri coach commented on the added value of Yildiz.
“The added value must necessarily become for Juve. We cannot reach the end of the season with 11 players. Everyone must be involved. Today marks one year since the passing of Gianluca Vialli, I remember him fondly.
“He personified value to the maximum of the squad, of Juventus. Putting ego aside and thinking with the ‘we’. This squad are doing important things. I’ve never seen winning teams without having a solid, strong squad. Especially at Juventus.”
Finally, Allegri was asked if Dusan Vlahovic could be a reference point for his teammates.
“He’s been doing well in the last few games, Milik played the other day and did well. Tomorrow Vlahovic could return, I still have to see some things because in this period every two or three days someone gets the flu. We need to know but tomorrow will be a very, very tough match.”