Massimiliano Allegri confirmed that Paul Pogba would be called up for Juventus’ derby clash with Torino and noted how a ‘bit of patience’ is needed.
The Bianconeri are still recovering after being handed a 15-point deduction by the FIGC last month. The team sit 8th in the Serie A table, 12 points behind top four hopefuls Roma, and have progressed to the Round of 16 of the Europa League after beating Nantes in the play-offs.
Torino sit just one point behind Juventus in the league table and they’ll be hoping for a dream Derby della Mole to see them leapfrog their intercity rivals.
Speaking in a press conference, Allegri first discussed what the Derby della Mole means to Juventus.
“Tomorrow is Enrico Zambruno’s last commentary, more than 1,200, so I wish you good luck for the adventure.
“The derby is always an important game for both teams, especially for us. We must continue this climb by increasing our points in the league.”
He provided an update on the condition of Federico Chiesa.
“Yesterday he trained with the team after six so-so days in terms of work. He can hardly start from the beginning, players who come from a long period of inactivity must be managed. He’s fine though.”
The Bianconeri coach also noted Leonardo Bonucci’s absence.
“Leo is much better, I’m very happy because he has regained confidence on the pitch. He’s fine but he’ll sit next to me again tomorrow.”
Allegri confirmed that Pogba would be returning to the Juventus squad, giving him the chance to make his first appearance this season.
“He’s better, he’ll be called up tomorrow. If there’s a need tomorrow, we’ll put him on, he certainly won’t be able to play a lot of minutes.”
He was asked about the health of striker Dusan Vlahovic.
“He’s fine, now apart from Milik who will return after the break, Kaio and Locatelli disqualified, Miretti who will return after the derby, all the other players are fine. It’s always complicated to play against Torino, we have to bring the moments on our side.”
The Italian coach was asked if the true Juventus would be seen in the Derby della Mole.
“This match has the value it must have, on the pitch, regardless of what happens outside, we have to get the points to stay in the top four. Tomorrow will be difficult, we failed in the Champions League.
“Now to say that Pogba can be a starter for Juventus after 315 days without playing, Chiesa, who has been out for 10 months, is the same thing. We need a bit of patience.”
He was asked what he expects of Pogba now.
“I spoke to him like I do with other players. He has to understand that it’s an important part of the season to get back on track, he has to have all the motivation to do good until the end of the season and give us a hand.”
Allegri also touched on his expectations of Leandro Paredes.
“He has alternated between good and not so good performances. For us he’s important, from here to the end everyone must give a hand.”
Finally, Allegri discussed if Juventus have recovered from their 15-point deduction.
“We’ve overcome the 15-point deduction. We have a very clear mini-goal to take the ball and not lose confidence because we scored 47 points.
“We know that we have to try to get to the end of the season having scored the points to finish in the top four. Net of penalties.
“We have to do this, we have the semi-final of the Coppa Italia, the Round of 16 of the Europa League.”