Max Allegri said Simone Padoin “could become a Coach” after filling in for Andrea Pirlo as Juventus beat Empoli 2-0.
The Bianconeri notched up a fourth consecutive Serie A victory, although Roberto Pereyra’s late goal meant it wasn’t a fourth straight 1-0 result.
Max Allegri said Simone Padoin “could become a Coach” after filling in for Andrea Pirlo as Juventus beat Empoli 2-0.
The Bianconeri notched up a fourth consecutive Serie A victory, although Roberto Pereyra’s late goal meant it wasn’t a fourth straight 1-0 result.
“First of all I am very happy with the performance, especially as it was Padoin’s first time playing in front of the defence, Angelo Ogbonna was back after a month and Stefano Sturaro had only his second start,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We allowed Empoli practically nothing in the first half, but after the break we tried to control the situation and did run some risks. We should’ve been more concentrated and anticipated the moves.
“It’s not easy to win four in a row with clean sheets. Many of the players only returned from international duty on Thursday, so they really do deserve compliments.
“Empoli are a very organised side and played well, so we had to play between the lines and the only way to open them up was to keep moving their defenders from one side to the other.
“I’d say it’s a great victory against a team in good shape who were unbeaten in eight games.”
Allegri had particular praise for benchwarmer Padoin, who took over the Andrea Pirlo role in the absence of Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba too.
“Padoin is proving himself to be a great professional. As well as being able to play in many different roles, he also has the characteristics to become a Coach! He’s tactically intelligent and it’s tough to play in front of the defence. He brings balance to the side and anywhere you put him, he does the job.”
The gap at the top of the table is still 14 points, as Roma beat Napoli 1-0 today, but there are only nine rounds to go.
Meanwhile, Juve have to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat to Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday night.
“Marchisio will be available against Fiorentina on Tuesday, while I hope to have Pirlo against Monaco, though he’s been out for six weeks so we have to introduce him back slowly.
“Arturo Vidal just had a knock to the ankle, it’s nothing serious.”
The Bianconeri can also start thinking about the Champions League quarter-final against Monaco.
“I saw a bit of Monaco’s game yesterday. They might not have as much quality as Borussia Dortmund, but they are difficult to play against and the fact they’re underdogs will give them something more,” continued Allegri.
“I told the lads you mustn’t be more talented in a Champions League quarter-final, but you have to be better on the night.
“I brought my concepts to the squad and tried to improve those things that could be improved after winning the Scudetto for three years in a row. This team should be aware it’s one of the best in Europe, but we mustn’t get sated. I think the individuals can still improve in various ways.”