Max Allegri congratulates Juventus for ‘keeping calm’ under pressure, ignoring refereeing controversy and snatching a last-gasp equaliser with Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final. ‘The second leg may well last 120 minutes.’
The Bianconeri were dismal for much of the game in Turin, jeered off by their fans at half-time and trailing 1-0 to a Youssef En-Nesyri counter-attack, with only Wojciech Szczesny keeping the scoreline down.
However, deep into stoppages it was Federico Gatti who snatched an equaliser with his header from point-blank range after Paul Pogba knocked down a corner.
“Up until the goal, my team had moved the ball well, but when we got up there, it all seemed too easy and we made far too many mistakes. On the counter-attack we were caught out because we didn’t track back and left gaps, also risking a second in similar circumstances,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“The lads did well to fight back and get a deserved draw that leaves everything to play for in the second leg.”
When Juventus conceded the goal, Leonardo Bonucci was caught in a very advanced position and couldn’t get back in time.
“It should’ve been an easier pass to Kostic rather than Alex Sandro, then Bonucci was in a position where all he could do was a foul if he got near him to stop the move before it really started.”
Pogba made a very impressive contribution as a substitute, not just with the assist for the goal, but also several good passes and moves that seemed like the Pogba of old.
“When games are in the opposition half, he is in an extraordinary player. If he was in optimal condition, of course I would have him in the starting XI every game. He gave a very important contribution this evening.”
Both Europa League semi-finals were extremely tight, as Roma squeezed past Bayer Leverkusen 1-0.
“It is always going to be balanced at this level. Sevilla are a very experienced side who are always in it, don’t forget that Manchester United were leading them 2-0 and they never stopped sticking to the plan, eventually making it 2-2 and winning the second leg 3-0. This evening we did well to do the same when Sevilla scored.
“We should’ve been sharper in the final third, especially in the opening 25 minutes, as we got a little too hasty and then conceded on the counter-attack.”
Adrien Rabiot had penalty appeals in the final stages for a high Bade’ boot that caught him on the ankle when they both went for the ball, but the referee and VAR did not even evaluate it.
“We do not say anything. In all the years of my career, I have never discussed the referees. I will just say that I congratulate my team for not letting the incident get to them, they kept their calm and a few minutes later were right back in the game. The officials will evaluate whether it is a penalty or not, we cannot waste our mental energy on that. We’ve had enough dealing with unfavourable incidents this season, we can only stay quiet and focus on our work.”
Knowing that the scores are level and the away goals rule no longer applies, how will Juventus approach the second leg in Spain?
“Sevilla defended very well, were very aggressive and their forwards ran like crazy for the high press. We know that we can do damage when spaces open up and the second leg will last 95 minutes, maybe even 120. We want to reach the Final.”