Max Allegri said he is “absolutely not worried” about facing Borussia Dortmund after Juventus squeezed past Atalanta 2-1.
The Bianconeri had been trailing for only seven minutes all season until last week, when they fought back for a 2-2 draw at Cesena and today went behind to Atalanta.
Max Allegri said he is “absolutely not worried” about facing Borussia Dortmund after Juventus squeezed past Atalanta 2-1.
The Bianconeri had been trailing for only seven minutes all season until last week, when they fought back for a 2-2 draw at Cesena and today went behind to Atalanta.
“It was a difficult start, as Atalanta defended well and we tried to play between the lines, but were too hasty and conceded a few counter-attacks. It requires patience and we’d eventually create the scoring opportunities,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“We conceded on a corner, the same way as against Milan. We equalised from another corner and Andrea Pirlo’s great strike paved the way to victory.
“He has two magical feet, especially the right, and when he shoots the ball takes strange trajectories. It was an extraordinary goal.
“We cannot expect to win every match 3-0, as there are opponents and they aren’t just going to lie down and let us dominate.
“I saw a team that was very concentrated today, albeit a little too hasty and therefore gave the ball away. We should’ve finished off the game after the break, but we were determined and focused to bring this victory home, all things we were lacking against Cesena.”
Juventus particularly struggled in the last 15 minutes, but Allegri insisted it was to be expected.
“Through these games we reach our final objective. We were a little tired and worked hard in training this month, as we didn’t have the chance during the winter break. We had to put some fuel in the old legs going into the final stage of the season.
“Towards the end we didn’t control the ball well, which we usually do. This is the toughest part of the campaign. These games are good for us, as they get our feet back on the ground and remind us that nothing will be handed to us.”
Giulio Migliaccio opened the scoring with a header from a corner, something Allegri expected.
“I had told the defenders that Migliaccio always got the ball in the air, he’s got a magnet for it. Unfortunately in these situations it’s almost better not to mark them.”
Juve face Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. This evening BVB notched up a third consecutive victory, winning 3-2 away to Stuttgart.
“We are in very good shape. Borussia are back on track and on Tuesday it’s the first of two games, so we have to play with balance and I am absolutely not worried by this match.
“I think they are going to be two great games and I expect qualification to be decided only in the final minutes of the second leg.”