Massimiliano Allegri reflected on Juventus’ win over Inter and provided an update on injured stars Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa.
Juventus’ relegation from the Champions League was confirmed last week, putting the team in their lowest mood so far this season, but they bounced back on the weekend, beating rivals Inter in a crucial Derby d’Italia success. Juventus are one of the teams that’ll be thankful for the World Cup break, giving them time to bring their various injured players to full fitness.
Speaking in a press conference, Allegri first discussed the impact of the Derby d’Italia win on the Juventus squad.
“It left us with an evening of satisfaction and joy, but since the next day we have closed the chapter. We are playing against a team that has beaten Juventus three times in the last five games.
“They’re a team that creates, is physical and attacks. It won’t be an easy game, they’re a team that doesn’t deserve the position in the league table that they have.”
He provided an update on some of his injured players.
“Perin will play tomorrow. Recovered for sure but not necessarily playing are Paredes and Kean, Di Maria is likely to have half an hour in his legs. Vlahovic, McKennie and Chiesa to be evaluated today.”
The Bianconeri coach spoke a little more in-depth about the conditions of Vlahovic and Chiesa.
“Simple, Vlahovic is suffering from this inflammation. Yesterday he ran and was better, today we’ll evaluate. If he’s available it’s good for Juventus and he’ll go on the bench.
“Chiesa returned and did well, it’s clear that until the knee finds its stability there are moments when he has discomfort. It’s part of the journey.”
Allegri touched on Napoli’s grip on the Scudetto this season.
“Napoli are having a great season, if they continue like this no one else can aim to win the league.”
He gave his thoughts on Arkadiusz Milik.
“Milik is in excellent condition, there are moments like for all strikers when you score goals and others when you don’t. But I’m very happy with him.”
He commented on the club’s plans for the upcoming World Cup break.
“We will work until the 18th with the players who will stay. We will then stop until the 6th when we will start again with friendlies until the 22nd-23rd. Then we will resume after Christmas.”
Finally, Allegri discussed breakout youngster Nicolo Fagioli.
“He’s doing well, let’s leave him calm, as Miretti has also done well. He has already played 20-22 games for Juventus.
“Fagioli is doing well, there will be times when he needs to recover, maybe he will do well tomorrow. There are also youngsters, with less experience, who are putting themselves on show.”
Good thing that we gave him a life line, now Inter have the possibility to get one of the best coaches in the world next season: Diego Simeoni or Conte!