Massimiliano Allegri had words of consolation for Nicolo Fagioli, who broke down in tears after being substituted in Juventus’ 1-0 loss to Sassuolo on Sunday evening.
The 22-year-old was at fault for giving the ball away in the lead-up to Gregoire Defrel’s 64th minute opener and was immediately hauled off by Allegri, before bursting into tears on the substitutes’ bench.
The young midfielder was consoled by a number of senior teammates on the sideline including Leonardo Bonucci, Wojciech Szczesny and Carlo Pinsoglio.
Speaking to the press after Juve’s second ever loss at the Mapei Stadium, Allegri admitted that Fagioli had made a mistake, but reminded him that those sorts of incidents can happen to anyone.
“He’s a responsible boy, Allegri said. “Everyone makes mistakes, he’s not the culprit. He has to stay calm, these are growth steps that take place.”
Captain Danilo also added: “He knows he misplaces an important ball but he is still on the right growth path. We are not looking for culprits, we have all lost and when we win we do it together.”
Fagioli has also received widespread support from thousands of fans on social media after footage of his emotional substitution began circulating on Sunday evening.
Since netting his first senior goal for the Bianconeri against Lecce in October, Fagioli has gone on to assert himself as a first team regular under Allegri.