Allegri describes Vlahovic approach to Fiorentina clash, defends Juventus medical staff

Massimiliano Allegri says that Dusan Vlahovic ‘is calm’ ahead of tomorrow’s Coppa Italia game against Fiorentina in Florence and defends Juventus‘ medical staff.

The Bianconeri visit the Tuscans in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semis tomorrow night. All eyes will be on Dusan Vlahovic, who returns to Florence for the first time since his January move to Turin.

“It’s a game of football tomorrow. I believe in the intelligence and culture of Fiorentina fans. Vlahovic will forever be grateful to Florentines and Fiorentina, the club that allowed him to move to Juventus,” Allegri said at a press conference.

“The game is not a matter of concern. There are other problems in the world, such as the war. Tomorrow is just a nice football game.

“Fiorentina have a nice team with an exciting coach, he’s given an aggressive and attacking mentality to Fiorentina. However, we want to reach the final. It must be a nice game and a night of sport,” the Juventus boss continued.

“Fiorentina haven’t changed much without Vlahovic. They don’t have different characteristics. Both Vlahovic and Piatek are physical strikers who attack the space. Fiorentina haven’t changed. They still have high intensity and create troubles.”

But how is Vlahovic preparing for the game against his ex-club and will he play after featuring in six games from six with the Bianconeri?

“I must yet take a decision, he has played a lot. We’ll see,” said Allegri.

“I am happy with Kean’s performance. He scored a goal [against Empoli] and had a few chances. I must make my assessment, one between Kean, Morata and Vlahovic will rest.

“Vlahovic is calm, he returns to the place where he grew up,” the 54-year-old added.

“It’s normal to be thrilled, it will be a special game for him, he must remain calm; otherwise, he would never play against Fiorentina.

“Vlahovic has given serenity to the team, now they know we can score goals. We worked well and built the basis in the first months of the season. However, we have conceded naive goals. We tend to relax when we take the lead, so we need to have the right mentality. We must remain focused.”

Juventus travel to Florence without several key players, including Giorgio Chiellini, Paulo Dybala and Denis Zakaria who are all dealing with muscle injuries. Fans and media have questioned the work of the Bianconeri’s medical staff, which Allegri defended.

“I am not worried by injuries, we’ve played many games. Dybala and Bernardeschi will be available from Sunday,” he said.

“Rugani is doing well, Alex Sandro will remain out for ten days and hopefully, Zakaria can return against Villarreal while Chiellini is still out. We must accept what happens. The medical staff is working well. We must get to the break in the best way and return with all the players available.

“Let’s see who will be available tomorrow. There are also three or four youngsters ready to play. It will be a good test for us. It’s always nice to play in Florence, we’ll need to be ready. The away goal rule is still valid, so it will be important to score.

“De Sciglio can play, Bonucci rested in the last two days. He gritted his teeth at Empoli, so he must rest [against Fiorentina]. We have De Sciglio, Danilo, De Ligt, Cuadrado and the young Stramaccioni.”