Max Allegri admits to doubts over the Juventus attack against Udinese tomorrow, while leaves his future open after tipping his hat to ‘extraordinary’ Inter.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin on Monday at 19.45 GMT.
Dusan Vlahovic is out of action with an injury, with Moise Kean still on the treatment table after his failed transfer to Atletico Madrid, but Arkadiusz Milik returns from suspension to bolster the attacking options.
“Vlahovic has nothing major, it is just a strained adductor, but he ought to be available next week. We’ll bring Cerri in from the Next Gen side, tomorrow I will choose between Federico Chiesa and Kenan Yildiz. Federico had injury problems last year, a few more setbacks this season, but he is an important player for Juventus and we expect a lot from him.”
However, Allegri assures January signing Carlos Alcaraz is not going to be thrown straight into the starting XI.
“No, he only arrived a week ago. He has quality and the potential to improve, so will be of use towards the end of the season,” said Allegri in his press conference.
The mood in the locker room cannot be good after losing the Scudetto showdown to Inter and falling seven points adrift of the leaders.
“We must try to get back to winning ways tomorrow against a team that in terms of quality and performance does not deserve to be in its current position. Udinese are a physical side with players like Lorenzo Lucca, Florian Thauvin and Lazar Samardzic who provide technique and a good shot on target.
“Look, it is no secret that Inter were the favourites for the Scudetto. We picked up 53 points, we must get back to winning ways tomorrow and break away from fifth place. Inter are doing extraordinary things, I think they won all seven competitive games in 2024. We just have to keep taking it one step at a time.”
Inter consolidated their title credentials with yesterday’s comeback 4-2 victory away to Daniele De Rossi’s Roma.
“Their win ought to make us even more motivated to get back to -4. You can lose a head-to-head, it happens, and one match should not make us throw away all the good work done in these months. If anything, we learned a great deal from that game.
“I analysed it, that was a balanced encounter, there was a Federico Dimarco chance, the Marcus Thuram goal, but then we wasted the Vlahovic opportunity. It was wide open after the break, we threatened both to score and concede.
“At this moment, the strongest team is at the top of the table. I’ve said from the start Inter were the favourites and they will be to the end. We just have to focus on our own journey and getting back on track after one point from two games.”
This will be Allegri’s 405th match on the Juventus bench, equalling the tally set by Marcello Lippi, who also did it in two different stints. How long does he see himself being in Turin?
“We’ll try to end the season well first, I have another year on my contract. In our job, we always depend on the results that we achieve. I am satisfied to match someone like Lippi who made history with Italian football and with Juventus, especially as I am fond of him personally. However, we have a game to win and the fact it is the 405th is irrelevant.”
Allegri: "Il futuro alla Juventus? Ho ancora un anno di contratto, dipendiamo dai risultati" ⚪️⚫️https://t.co/7OV5jIFtGu
— GOAL Italia (@GoalItalia) February 11, 2024