Massimiliano Allegri feels that Juventus need to be ‘good and lucky’ to find victory against Inter in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final clash.
The Bianconeri were held to a 1-1 draw by the Nerazzurri in the first leg in Turin earlier this month, a match surrounded by conflict and controversy. Since then, Juventus have been temporarily handed back the 15 points they were deducted but could still be excluded from European competitions by UEFA.
Juventus have lost their last three Serie A outings and things are growing chaotic in the Piedmont capital, making this Coppa Italia semi-final a key game for Allegri and his players.
Speaking in a press conference, Allegri first previewed the Coppa Italia semi-final clash with Inter.
“It’s always Inter-Juventus, a great match. Both are playing for the final so it must be a great evening of sport, we hope to go to the final. We’ll do everything we can.”
He provided a brief injury update.
“In defence I’ll decide tomorrow, Perin will play for sure. Today Vlahovic sprained his ankle in training, so we’ll evaluate him in the morning, but he’s unlikely to be there tomorrow.”
He confirmed that Paul Pogba would be available for the match.
“He’s better, he’ll be able to play a bit of the game tomorrow.”
The Bianconeri coach commented on how he works amidst the uncertainty surrounding his and Juventus’ future.
“We have to prepare ourselves with serenity and desire for revenge to reach an important goal like the Coppa Italia final. If we are good and lucky, we will succeed, otherwise we will applaud Inter.
“But in this part the matches are decisive, we come from four defeats in the last five games. From the day after tomorrow we’ll put our minds on the league because the goal is to finish in the top four. And try to finish second because that would guarantee us access to next year’s Supercoppa.”
Allegri was asked about Marco Landucci’s clash with Luciano Spalletti after Juventus’ loss to Napoli.
“We have to think about working on the pitch, continue to behave as we have done with what happens off the pitch, I’m talking about sporting stuff and not court stuff. Complaints lead nowhere.
“We hardly ever complained in my years at Juventus, it’s part of my way of thinking. We have to continue like this because we mustn’t waste energy, complaints don’t bring points and we have to accept for better or for worse what happens.
“We have to be angry because we left a point on the pitch, the goal is our responsibility and we have to improve on that.”
He touched on his future with Juventus and if he expects to be in the job next season.
“I have a two-year contract, I am privileged to work at Juventus. To work seven years here is for few people. Then in life there are difficult moments when things don’t go well, you have to face them with broad shoulders and serenity and have clear ideas when planning the future.
“I’m a corporatist when I’m part of a club, I also have a responsibility to add value to the players and not just technique. We must think about finishing the league and the cups well.
“But we must have clear ideas about next season, we are a month and a half away from the end of the season and Juventus must plan for the future with all the desire and serenity knowing that we must return to winning.
“I don’t know if we will succeed, but we will certainly put in all the effort we can.”
The Italian coach spoke about what he wants to see from his players against Inter.
“We must continue to behave well, if we made a mistake by coming off the bench, we will try to avoid it because our behaviour must be exemplary. Tomorrow must be a calm game, I hope everything goes smoothly because in the end it’s a game of football.”
Allegri confirmed that Moise Kean would not be taking part in the Coppa Italia semi-final.
“Kean is out for sure, we hope to have him back in about ten days. Between Milik, Chiesa and Di Maria tomorrow I’ll decide whether all three can play or just two, because then I also need substitutions.”
Finally, Allegri discussed how it would feel to reach two cup finals in a season like this.
“It would be the achievement of goals. We will do our best to get there, if we don’t get there it will be the others. Let’s think about resolving these things here, conceding goals in the 93rd minute from Inter and Napoli.
“In the league we haven’t managed to break 60 points, we have Roma and Milan three points behind us. To finish in the top four and a chance to finish second so we can play in the Supercoppa. We cannot do the impossible, with seriousness and work.”