Massimiliano Allegri admitted his Juventus ‘must all have the ambition to desire’ the Scudetto and touched on the threats posed by Monza.
The Bianconeri, without European commitments this term, currently sit hot on the heels on league leaders Inter, sitting two points behind after 13 games. Their 1-1 draw in the Derby d’Italia last weekend kept up the pressure on Simone Inzaghi’s side.
In the midst of off-pitch drama, which includes the bans to Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli, Juventus have emerged as one of the favourites for the league title this season. Their lack of European competition will likely become an advantage in the latter stages of the campaign.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Allegri first discussed what Juventus need to do against Monza.
“Monza are the only team that took six points away from us last year and against whom we never scored a goal. We have to follow up the draw with Inter.”
He spoke about the conditions of Danilo and Manuel Locatelli.
“Danilo and Alex Sandro will be available, Locatelli we will evaluate today, it’s a pain problem, the other day he gave us a hand and today we’ll see.
“I have to see from training today, Nicolussi Caviglia played a good game, but it had been a long time since he played. Otherwise, we will find a solution.”
He was asked if he thought about winning the Scudetto this season.
“I never enter the team’s locker room because it is sacred. We must all have the ambition to desire something important, but now the most important thing is the Monza match. It was hard for the club to be out of the Champions League this year, so we have to think about that.”
The Juventus coach was clear in which version of his team he wanted to see against Monza.
“The Juventus of the first 13 matchdays. We cannot afford to underestimate any team, we must perform as a team regardless of how Sunday’s match went.”
Allegri spoke about the work of Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic.
“They had a good performance, but the others are fine. There were moments in which Kean and Milik played, this year we have the objective of returning to the Champions League.
“I also told the boys, there will be moments where which someone will play less. Every now and then I think of Perin who is a very high-level goalkeeper but plays less.”
He touched on his future in Turin.
“We always talk about this future in this period. I have a contract with Juventus until 2025, we are working together for the future of the club. I get along very well with the new directors, there is a good harmony to ensure that Juventus has an important future.
“In Juventus men pass but the DNA remains, we need to stay quiet and work while keeping a low profile. I get along very well with this management.”
He was asked if he’d be satisfied ending 2023 in second place in the table.
“Talking about what will happen on December 30th makes no sense. Let’s think about the Monza of my friend Galliani, who confirms himself as a manager of the highest value, I was very lucky to work with him and have an excellent relationship.”
Finally, Allegri gave his thoughts on Monza coach Raffaele Palladino.
“As usual, Galliani didn’t make a mistake with his coach. Palladino is doing very well, I’m sure that in his growth, next to Galliani, can only improve.
“He could have an excellent career. There are young and good coaches who are growing, having a highly experienced manager like Galliani is an advantage for him.”