Max Allegri praises Juventus for their ‘maturity’ in fighting back to beat Torino 4-2, explains his Leandro Paredes snub and welcomes Paul Pogba back for his first game of the season.
The Bianconeri conceded in the opening 90 seconds and were trailing 2-1 as well, but went into the break clinging on to 2-2.
Although Toro continued to have most of the ball in the second half, Juve made the most of their set plays with Gleison Bremer’s header and Adrien Rabiot meeting the Filip Kostic free kick at the back post for 4-2.
“The lads really put in a great performance against a difficult team to break down. It was a deserved victory,” Allegri told DAZN and Sky Sport Italia.
“It was a strong reaction with another two goals, though we ran a risk on that crossbar and conceded two avoidable goals. I was glad to see our patience, that is a sign of maturity.
“We have to keep taking it one game at a time and it wasn’t easy to play so soon after Thursday in the Europa League.”
This was their fourth consecutive Serie A victory and put them 10 points off Lazio in fourth place, but if they win the appeal against the 15-point penalty, then Juve would currently be three clear of Milan and Inter in second.
“It has to be said, 10 points is still a big gap. We’d need an average of two points per game and it would be extraordinary. We have caught Bologna and broken away from Torino. We should also say that we earned 50 points, not to say 52…”
Allegri was referring to the VAR error that disallowed Arkadiusz Milik’s winner in a 2-2 draw with Salernitana, as Antonio Candreva was in a camera blackspot keeping everyone onside.
It was also notable that the hosts took control once Federico Chiesa and season debutant Paul Pogba came off the bench.
“We needed fresh legs with different characteristics. It is never a good feeling to take Angel Di Maria off, but we have so many games, we must try to be careful with him. I put Rabiot in front of the defence, needing his physicality in front of the defence, though he must improve in spreading the play.”
With Manuel Locatelli suspended, Allegri chose 21-year-old debutant Enzo Barrenechea rather than Leandro Paredes, so is this a sign of a serious problem with the midfielder on loan from Paris Saint-Germain?
“These are choices I make, there are no problems. I needed someone in front of the defence who could cover them and be good in the air. It was a tough game for him, he was improving as it wore on and honestly deserved to stay on. He moves well, has good technique and above all makes sure he is in the right position in front of the defence.
“We have to continue with this spirit and realise that substitutions become decisive. Fagioli’s second half performance was superlative, in terms of both quality and quantity.
“It had been a long time since we wanted Pogba back with us and we are happy. With a game every three days, we need everyone available. There were many reasons to celebrate, Szczesny reaching 200 appearances, Alex Sandro 300, while Milik and Kean had their birthdays too.”