There were reports that Angel Di Maria had asked not to be called up for the Juventus squad travelling to Bologna, so Max Allegri responded to these suggestions. ‘I need healthy players.’
The 2022 World Cup winner was not expected to start at the Stadio Dall’Ara, having played in the Coppa Italia semi-final defeat to Inter on Wednesday evening.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that once Di Maria realised he was not going to be in the starting XI, he complained of an ankle problem and requested to be left at home in Turin.
“He had an ankle causing him pain,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia when asked about the Di Maria concerns.
“When someone is 50-50, I leave him at home. I need healthy players on the bench. Di Maria is an important player for us.”
The Bianconeri were held to a 1-1 draw by Bologna, as Arkadiusz Milik cancelled out the Riccardo Orsolini opener, although Milik also saw a first half penalty saved by Lukasz Skorupski.
Juventus are next in action on Wednesday May 3, welcoming Lecce to the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).