Max Allegri prepares for a “complicated” encounter with Lazio and explains his midfield options amid an injury crisis. “Emre Can has a lot that needs improving.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“This is always a complicated fixture for us. Lazio will try to beat a big club for the first time this season and we hope they don’t manage it against us,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Max Allegri prepares for a “complicated” encounter with Lazio and explains his midfield options amid an injury crisis. “Emre Can has a lot that needs improving.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“This is always a complicated fixture for us. Lazio will try to beat a big club for the first time this season and we hope they don’t manage it against us,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Lazio are a very physical side, with good technique. Like Juve, they scored many goals from set plays and above all have plenty of shots on target in their home games.
“They’ll be eager to make up for the defeat to Napoli, whereas we must find our consistency. There’s a very long way to go for the Scudetto and every victory is just one more step towards that final goal.
“It’s always wonderful to play at the Stadio Olimpico, so we are called upon to put in a great performance in every way.”
There are issues to deal with, as Allegri has to reshuffle his Bianconeri side due to injuries, particularly in midfield.
“Joao Cancelo is available again, although he’ll probably only be an option off the bench. Mario Mandzukic and perhaps Sami Khedira will come back against Parma. Miralem Pjanic has been training since Monday.
“We can either play with two in midfield or all three. If we play with three, it’s Blaise Matuidi, Emre Can and Rodrigo Bentancur, then one from Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi.
“Let’s not forget on Wednesday we’ve got a knockout Coppa Italia match in Bergamo against an Atalanta side that has always caused problems.
“My only doubt right now is whether to use two or three midfielders.”
Allegri explained the differences between the players at his disposal.
“Emre Can has a lot that needs improving, he knows that, in the timing of his moves in front of the defence. So does Bentancur. Pjanic is quicker at moving the ball around, whereas they have longer pauses, so it makes the whole team move more slowly.
“It’s only an issue of training, because Emre Can gives a lot of coverage to the defence and has improved in terms of passing intuition. He is young, like Bentancur, and they have time to learn.”