Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri admits Real Madrid-Manchester City was ‘extraordinary’ but insists ‘there is something good’ in Italian football.
The Italian tactician was asked his thoughts on the recent European matches in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
Juventus have been banned from European competitions for a season, but they are targeting a return to Europe’s elite club competition in 2024-25.
“Real Madrid-Manchester City was an extraordinary match, with high technical values and incredible ball management. It was a pleasure to watch it,” said the Tuscan tactician.
“I had fun watching the Real game, but also PSG-Barcelona and Atalanta against Liverpool and Milan–Roma. We must be optimistic because the Italian league may be below the others, but last year, we brought Roma, Inter [and Fiorentina] into the European Finals. We have one and a half teams in the Europa League semis this season and Fiorentina in the Conference League. There is something good.”
Roma beat Milan 1-0 in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final at San Siro on Thursday, while Atalanta stunned Liverpool with a legendary 3-0 win at Anfield.
During his pre-match press conference, Allegri spoke about Saturday’s derby and his future at the Allianz Stadium.
His contract runs out in June 2025, but the Italian tactician didn’t guarantee he’d remain at the club beyond the summer, saying that director Cristiano Giuntoli will make ‘the best decision’ for the Bianconeri’s future.
Juventus currently third in the Serie A table, six points below second-placed Milan.